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International Cat Day on Aug. 8 is the purr-fect time to show your furry friend some extra love and appreciation! This day has been celebrated since 2002 and is a great way to recognize our feline friends for all of the joy they bring us. Whether you have one cat or many, this special day is an opportunity to learn more about cats, their behavior, and how we can best take care of them.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Cat Day Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and other animal rights groups created International Cat Day on August 8, 2002, to bring awareness and appreciation towards felines.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Popularity Increases</div><div class='timeline-text'>After its inception, the day started growing in popularity, with many people and cat owners worldwide beginning to celebrate it.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>University Studies on Cats</div><div class='timeline-text'>Researchers at the University of Bristol study the effect of human interaction on cat behavior, further putting a spotlight on feline welfare.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Surpassing Dogs in Popularity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cats surpass dogs as the most popular pet in Europe, bringing additional attention to International Cat Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Cat-protection Law</div><div class='timeline-text'>New Zealand passes its first cat-protection law, further illustrating the impact of International Cat Day on promoting animal rights.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Adopt a cat</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Head to your local animal shelter and give an adorable kitty a forever home. Not only will you be helping a homeless animal, but you'll gain a loving companion.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a cat charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many organizations dedicated to helping cats in need. Consider donating money, food, toys, or supplies to a local rescue center.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a cat toy drive</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get your friends and family involved in the celebration of International Cat Day by collecting cat toys for local shelters. Ask everyone to bring their old pet toys or purchase new ones made for cats.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share photos and stories</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spread the love by sharing photos and stories of cats that have touched your life on social media. Use the hashtag #InternationalCatDay so others can enjoy them too!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a cat cafe</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>What better way to celebrate International Cat Day than by visiting a cat cafe? Enjoy some coffee and snacks while playing with adorable cats - what could be better?</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cats are friendly</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Though they may often appear aloof, cats can be very affectionate and loyal companions. They love to snuggle up with their owners and can provide lots of comfort in times of stress or sorrow. Plus, they will also happily romp around the house for hours on end and give out plenty of purrs!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cats keep us entertained</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Cats can be quite entertaining to watch as they go about their day. Whether it's chasing a laser pointer or pouncing on toy mice, cats never seem to get bored and always find new ways to amuse themselves (and us!). So if you're looking for some distraction from your daily life, just spend some time watching your feline friend - you won't regret it!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cats help improve our well-being</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Studies have shown that spending time with cats can do wonders for our health. Not only can petting a cat reduce stress levels, but having a furry companion in our homes can also lead to improved mental health and an overall sense of wellbeing. So why not celebrate International Cat Day this year by showing your beloved kitty how much they mean to you?</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats have superior night vision</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cats can see clearly in nearly total darkness, giving them an edge when hunting at night. This ability stems from a layer of reflective cells behind their retina, known as the tapetum lucidum.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats can rehydrate by drinking seawater</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike most mammals, cats' kidneys are efficient enough to filter out the salt and use the water content to keep hydrated — a physiological adaption likely developed due to their desert-dwelling ancestors.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats' purring can promote healing</h3><p class='facts-content'>The frequency of a cat's purr vibration has been shown to increase the production of certain growth factors linked to healing. This is why cats often purr when they're injured or unwell.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats possess a secret "language" with humans</h3><p class='facts-content'>The slow blink that cats do when they lock eyes with humans is a sign of trust and affection, often referred to as a "cat kiss". It's a form of communication that develops between cats and their humans.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cats' whiskers are highly sensitive sensory tools</h3><p class='facts-content'>Whiskers, or vibrissae, help cats navigate their environment, particularly in the dark. They can detect changes in air currents and pressure, giving cats an awareness of nearby objects and movements without seeing or touching them.</p></div></div>
International Cat Day is celebrated on August 8th every year. In 2024 International Cat Day will occur on a Thursday.
2023
Aug 8
Tuesday
2024
Aug 8
Thursday
2025
Aug 8
Friday
2026
Aug 8
Saturday
2027
Aug 8
Sunday
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