National Cat Day

This year, National Cat Day is set for Saturday, October 29. (Canadians celebrate cats on August 8.) The day was created by Pet & Family Lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to make people aware of how many cats need to be rescued yearly. To equal things up a bit, Paige also created National Dog Day highlighted on August 26.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), about 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters and rescues every year. Sadly, only 2.1 million of them find homes. People like Paige want to see the adoption number higher and hope that recognition from designations such as National Cat Day will help.

Whether you're the neighborhood cat lady or you've never had a feline companion, there are things you can do to help get more cats matched with loving, forever homes.

Adopt a cat

This one's obvious. If you already have a cat, why not adopt another? If you're cat-less and have the space, time, and money to spend on a cat (or maybe two?), visit your area humane societies and rescues for some introductions. You'll be able to choose from beautiful kitties of all colors, breeds, and ages. I guarantee that living with a cat puts the "om" in "home."

Volunteer with cats

If you don't have time to take on a feline at this time in your life, perhaps you could occasionally offer your services to a group helping them. Tasks such as cleaning litter boxes might not sound glamorous, but it's essential, and you also get to play with the purr machines—a win-win situation.

Donate to a shelter or rescue

Another way to help homeless cats is to give some money to nearby rescues. Or, drop off some blankets, food, litter, toys, paper towels, and other cleaning supplies to the groups helping cats, including ferals. Or, check out the wish lists of various pet shelters found on their websites or other pet-related sites, and purchase items that are forwarded straight to the groups.

Surprise your kitty (or kitties)

You can help your cat celebrate National Cat Day by bringing home a new toy that moves the way he loves best, a big bag of yummy treats, or furniture made just for him, such as a new scratching post or comfie bed.

Quote to remember: "Every day is National Cat Day. It's our world. You just live in it. Get over it." - Any cat, anywhere.

Sources:

National Today

https://nationaltoday.com/national-cat-day/

"National Cat Day October 29, 2022"

ASPCA

https://www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics#:~:text=These%20are%20national%20estimates%3B%20the,and%203.2%20million%20are%20cats.

"Pet Statistics"

Hepper

https://www.hepper.com/celebrate-national-cat-day/

"Celebrate National Cat Day – October 29, 2022"