Overview

• International Cat Day was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002 and scheduled for August 8 to coincide with peak cat fertility in the Northern Hemisphere and underscore the need for population control.
• Today’s observances span free or low-cost spay-neuter clinics, adoption fairs and outreach events in major cities from Mexico City to Buenos Aires.
• February 20 and October 29 complement the August 8 date as annual global cat celebrations, commemorating Socks, Bill Clinton’s cat, and promoting U.S. National Cat Day founded by Colleen Paige.
• Emerging “gatoterapia” programs leverage cats’ calming presence and therapeutic purr vibrations to reduce stress, lower blood pressure and support mental health.
• Cat cafés, boutique pop-ups and online campaigns are offering themed products and experiences this week to raise funds and awareness for local shelters and rescue organizations.