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International Rescue Cat Day

An awareness observance on March 2 promoting the rescue and adoption of homeless, stray, and shelter cats and raising awareness of cat welfare and the work of rescue organizations.

Tuesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 2

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYCats

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Yorkshire Cat Rescue

FIRST OBSERVED

2019

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Yorkshire Cat Rescue, a UK-based charity, founded International Rescue Cat Day, first observed on March 2, 2019, as part of International Rescue Cat Awareness Month. The initiative was created to raise awareness about homeless, abused, and shelter cats worldwide and encourage adoption over purchasing pets.

Institutional Recordvia daysoftheyear.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate our furry feline friends on International Rescue Cat Day on March 2! This special day was created to raise awareness about the millions of cats in shelters around the world who are in need of a loving forever home. It's also a great opportunity to show appreciation for those who have adopted rescue cats and to support local shelters and organizations that work tirelessly to save these adorable creatures. Whether you have a rescue cat or not, this day is all about spreading love and kindness towards these amazing animals. So let's purr-fectly honor them on this special day!

TIMELINE

International Rescue Cat Day Timeline

First Animal Welfare Organization

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first animal welfare organization in the U.S., is established.

Rise in Cat Shelters

The early 1900s saw a rise in cat shelters in response to increased populations of homeless cats.

Neuter and Spay Movement

In the 1970s, animal advocacy organizations began campaigns for neutering and spaying pets to help control cat populations.

Trap-Neuter-Return Practice

The practice of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for feral cats gains popularity as a humane alternative to euthanasia in the 1990s.

Cats Outrank Dogs

By 2011, cats surpass dogs as the most popular pet in the United States, increasing the number of cat rescues.

Recognition of International Rescue Cat Day

International Rescue Cat Day is officially recognized as a way to raise awareness and encourage adoption for rescue cats.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Rescue Cat Day

Adopt a rescue cat

The best way to celebrate International Rescue Cat Day is by adopting a rescue cat! Visit your local animal shelter and give a loving home to a furry friend in need.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an animal shelter

If you can't adopt a rescue cat, consider volunteering at an animal shelter on International Rescue Cat Day. You can help take care of the cats and give them some much-needed love and attention.

DONATE

Donate to a rescue cat organization

Show your support for rescue cats by donating to a cat rescue organization. Your donation can help provide food, medical care, and other necessities for cats in need.

Share adoption stories on social media

Spread awareness about rescue cats by sharing heartwarming adoption stories on social media. This can inspire others to consider adopting a rescue cat as well!

HOST

Host a fundraiser for a rescue cat organization

Gather your friends and family to host a fundraiser for a local rescue cat organization. You can have fun while also raising money to support these furry friends in need.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Rescue Cat Day is Important

It celebrates the special bond between a cat and its owner

By acknowledging International Rescue Cat Day, we also recognize the unique relationship between a cat and its human companion. Whether they were adopted from a shelter or rescued off the streets, these cats bring love, joy, and companionship to their owners every day.

It brings attention to rescue cats in need of homes

International Rescue Cat Day is an opportunity to raise awareness for the countless cats waiting for adoption in shelters and rescues. By promoting this holiday, we can help find these feline friends their forever homes.

It promotes spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership

Many rescue cats are homeless due to overpopulation and lack of responsible ownership. International Rescue Cat Day encourages people to consider spaying/neutering their pets and being responsible pet owners, which helps reduce the number of strays and abandoned cats.