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National Feral Cat Day

Show your support for our furry friends on National Feral Cat Day - spay/neuter, adopt, and donate to help cats in need!

Friday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEOctober 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYCats

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Feral Cat Day on October 16 and show your support for these amazing cats! This special day was created in 2001 to recognize the millions of feral cats living across the United States, who often struggle to survive without human help. It's also a great opportunity for animal lovers everywhere to learn about helping community cats through Trap-Neuter-Return programs and other humane initiatives.

TIMELINE

National Feral Cat Day Timeline

Formation of National Feral Cat Day

Alley Cat Allies founded National Feral Cat Day to raise awareness about feral cats, promote Trap-Neuter-Return, and empower and mobilize the millions of compassionate people who care for them.

Increasing Support

More cities and towns across the U.S. began recognizing National Feral Cat Day, boosting support for feral cats and recognising their need for protection.

Legislation Trends

Growing trend for legislation that supports TNR methods, reflecting the increased public awareness of humane treatments for feral cat colonies.

Broadening Outreach

Increased focus on educational events on this day, aiming at informing communities about feral cats and how to effectively and humanely manage feral cat colonies.

Global Participation

Events spread globally, showing an increase in interest and support for feral cat management and welfare worldwide.

Online Movement Growth

Major increase in online events, webinars, and social media activities promoting National Feral Cat Day due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Feral Cat Day

Adopt a feral cat

Feral cats live in a harsh environment, so why not give one of these cats a home. Rescue a feral cat from an animal shelter and give it a loving home.

DONATE

Donate to feral cat rescue

Donate to an organization that helps stray and feral cats. Your money will go towards food, medical care, and other necessities for the cats.

ORGANIZE

Organize a feral cat spay/neuter clinic

Organize a spay/neuter clinic to help reduce the number of feral cats in your area. Contact your local humane society or veterinarian to organize a clinic and advertise it in your community.

CREATE

Create feral cat shelters

Create shelters for stray and feral cats by using recycled materials like cardboard boxes, plastic tubs, or wooden pallets that can be used as shelters. Place them in safe areas and line them with straw for warmth.

EDUCATE

Educate others about feral cats

Educate your friends and family about the plight of feral cats. Share stories about how they can help out the population of feral cats in their community.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Feral Cat Day

Feral cats foster community

Taking care of feral cats has become an important pastime for many communities around the world. As people come together to care for these animals, it helps build relationships between neighbors, fosters a sense of unity, and creates a stronger bond among those who participate in this worthwhile activity.

Feral cats provide a natural form of pest control

Feral cats are a natural and effective way to keep rats, mice, and other pests away from your home or business. Feral cats hunt these rodents and help keep their populations under control without the need for harmful traps and toxic poisons.

Feral cats help reduce the strain on animal shelters

By providing food and shelter to feral cats, you are helping reduce the number of cats that end up in overcrowded animal shelters. Although they can't be adopted as pets, feral cats still deserve our compassion and care.

Related holidays

TUE

Apr 2026

Awareness

Free Feral Cat Spay Day

Help control the feral cat population and give these furry friends a better life by participating in Free Feral Cat Spay Day!

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.