9 Ways to Celebrate International Cat Day Like a Pro

International Cat Day is a perfect opportunity for you to celebrate your feline friend.

It’s a day dedicated to showing appreciation for the joy and companionship that cats bring into your life.

Whether you have one cat or a whole bunch, there’s plenty you can do to make the day special.

Discover fun and creative ways to make the day memorable for both you and your cat. From special treats to engaging activities, celebrating International Cat Day is all about enjoying time together and making your cat feel loved.

Whether you’re a long-time cat owner or new to the world of cats, there are so many ways to show your furry friend how much they mean to you.

1) Plan a Cat-Themed Party

Throwing a cat-themed party is a fantastic way to celebrate International Cat Day.

Start by sending out cat-themed invitations.

You can go old-school with snail mail or use email for a quicker option.

Decorate your space with cat-themed items.

Think cat balloons, tablecloths with cute paw prints, and plates with cat faces.

Don’t forget to add some cat-themed music in the background for extra fun.

Plan some cat-related games and activities.

You can have a “cat costume contest” where guests dress up as their favorite cats.

Another fun idea is to set up a craft station where people can make cat toys or cat ears headbands.

For food, serve snacks with a cat twist.

Tuna sandwiches cut into paw shapes and cupcakes with cat toppers are always a hit.

You can even make a cake shaped like a cat.

If your friends have cats, consider inviting them too! Just make sure to have plenty of spaces and items for the cats to explore and enjoy.

This way, everyone can join in on the fun, both humans and felines alike.

End the party by giving out small cat-themed party favors.

Think cat stickers, small toys, or even a little bag of cat treats for guests to take home.

It’s a great way to wrap up a purr-fect day!

2) Adopt a Homeless Cat

Adopting a homeless cat is a great way to celebrate International Cat Day.

You provide a loving home for a cat in need, and in return, you get a loyal and loving companion.

Shelters often have a variety of cats looking for homes.

From kittens to senior cats, from fluffy to short-haired, you’ll find cats of all types.

Each cat has its own unique personality, so you’re sure to find one that fits your lifestyle.

Before you adopt, spend some time getting to know the cat.

Volunteer at the shelter or visit a few times.

This helps you make sure the cat is a good match for you and your home.

Adopting also helps reduce the number of cats living in shelters.

When you adopt, you free up space for other cats in need.

This means more cats can find their forever homes.

Plus, many shelters include vaccinations and spaying/neutering in the adoption fee, making it a cost-effective way to get a pet.

3) Bake Cat-Shaped Cookies

Baking cat-shaped cookies is a fun and tasty way to celebrate International Cat Day.

You can make these cookies for your friends, family, or even your cats (with cat-friendly ingredients, of course).

Start by choosing your favorite sugar cookie recipe.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.

Use cat-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the cookies.

Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make sure to space them out so they don’t stick together.

Preheat your oven according to the recipe you’re using.

Bake the cookies until they’re a light golden color, usually about 8-10 minutes.

Let them cool completely before decorating.

For decorating, you can use icing, sprinkles, or even edible markers.

Get creative! Draw cat faces, paws, and tails.

If you want to make treats for your cat, use tuna or chicken instead of sugar.

There are many recipes online for cat-friendly cookies.

Your furry friend will love the special treat.

Baking cat-shaped cookies is a fun activity for kids, too.

Everyone can join in and make their own unique designs.

Enjoy your delicious creations together and celebrate your love for cats!

4) Decorate Your Home with Cat Art

Add a touch of feline flair to your living space by decorating with cat art.

You can find cat-themed prints or paintings that match your style.

Whether you like minimalistic drawings or vibrant paintings, there’s something for everyone.

Consider hanging a gallery wall filled with different cat portraits.

Mix in some vintage posters, modern prints, and even your own sketches.

It creates an interesting and fun focal point in any room.

Another idea is to get cat-shaped wall decals.

These simple stickers can be placed anywhere and are easy to remove if you change your mind.

They’re perfect for adding a playful touch to your bedroom or living room.

Don’t forget about everyday items like pillows and blankets.

Find ones with cute cat patterns to add coziness to your space.

Functional items can also reflect your love for cats without overdoing it.

Using cat-themed planters is another creative way to bring some life into your home.

Plant your favorite herbs or flowers in pots that resemble your furry friends.

It’s a great way to combine your love for cats and nature.

5) Donate to a Cat Charity

Your donations can make a huge difference for cats in need.

Many organizations, like Best Friends Animal Society, provide food, shelter, and medical care to cats.

Every dollar you give helps improve the lives of these furry friends.

There are many great cat charities you can support.

For example, Buy Rope donates 100% of its proceeds to help cats.

It’s a simple way to use your money for a good cause.

Sponsoring a cat is another fantastic option.

You can sponsor a cat like Snickers at Best Friends Animal Society.

Sponsorship means you help cover the costs of their care and medical treatment.

If you prefer local impact, find a nearby animal rescue.

Many small rescues rely heavily on community donations and support.

Your contribution can mean the world to these local organizations.

So, think about donating to a cat charity this International Cat Day.

It’s one of the most direct ways to show love and support for our feline friends.

6) Host a Cat Costume Contest

Hosting a cat costume contest can be a fun way to celebrate International Cat Day.

Invite friends, neighbors, and their cats to join in on the festivities.

Ensure the costumes you choose are comfortable and safe for your cat.

Avoid outfits with small parts that could be swallowed or that are too tight.

Set up a runway or a cute photo booth area.

Let everyone’s cat strut their stuff and take lots of pictures.

You can give out prizes for categories like funniest, most creative, and best homemade costume.

Everyone will love seeing the adorable and hilarious outfits.

Keep the event light-hearted and enjoyable.

Remember, the main goal is to have fun and share your love for cats with others.

7) Share Cat Memes on Social Media

Sharing cat memes is a fun way to celebrate International Cat Day.

The internet loves cats, and memes featuring them are always a hit.

Post your favorite cat memes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

You can also join cat-themed groups or pages to share your funniest finds.

Try making your own cat memes.

Use apps or websites that help you add text to your cat photos.

Get creative and make your friends laugh!

Keep an eye out for trending hashtags like #InternationalCatDay.

Using these can help your posts reach more cat lovers around the world.

Sharing cat memes isn’t just fun for you; it’s also a great way to connect with other cat enthusiasts.

So, get to posting and let the cat memes take over your feed!

8) Read a Cat-Themed Book

One fun way to celebrate International Cat Day is by diving into a cat-themed book.

Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, there’s something out there for every cat lover.

For a light-hearted read, check out “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Seuss.

It’s a classic that never goes out of style.

If you enjoy mysteries, “The Cat Who…” series by Lilian Jackson Braun offers delightful tales involving a journalist and his two clever Siamese cats.

For those who love true stories, “A Street Cat Named Bob” by James Bowen tells the heartwarming story of a man and his cat.

It’s a tale of friendship and second chances.

You can also explore “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by T.S. Eliot.

This collection of whimsical poems inspired the famous Broadway musical, “Cats.”

Reading together can be relaxing for both you and your furry friend.

Find a cozy spot, settle down with your book, and let your cat snuggle up next to you.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, mystery, or heartfelt stories, there’s a cat-themed book that’ll fit your mood.

Enjoy your reading time and celebrate the joy that cats bring into our lives.

9) Watch Cat Videos on YouTube

You can spend International Cat Day watching cat videos on YouTube.

It’s a fun way to enjoy the day with laughs and cute moments.

There are countless videos of cats doing silly things.

Some might be hilarious, while others are just plain adorable.

YouTube has something for everyone.

You can find channels dedicated to cats, from famous feline influencers to everyday pets.

They post videos of their antics, naps, and playful behavior.

If you’re in the mood for something special, you could search for festivals or events celebrating cats.

Some might feature cat shows or themed videos.

Watching these videos can be a relaxing activity.

It’s a simple way to appreciate the charm and personality of cats.

Grab some snacks, sit back, and enjoy.

History of International Cat Day

International Cat Day is a yearly celebration dedicated to cats, recognizing their role as beloved pets and their unique traits.

It began in 2002 and has since grown into a global event.

Origins and Purpose

International Cat Day was created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2002.

The aim is to honor cats and raise awareness about their welfare.

It is celebrated every year on August 8.

This day encourages people to learn about cat care and adopt from shelters.

It’s a reminder to appreciate cats for their companionship and various qualities.

Many organizations participate, promoting education on cat health, well-being, and protection efforts.

How It Became Popular

Since its creation, International Cat Day has gained popularity worldwide.

Social media played a big role, with cat lovers sharing pictures and stories.

In 2020, the British organization International Cat Care took over custodianship, further helping its growth.

They continuously promote the day, organizing events and campaigns.

Countries around the globe now celebrate by holding cat-themed events, fundraisers, and promoting adoption.

The day’s popularity highlights the global admiration for cats and the ongoing efforts to ensure their safety and well-being.

Benefits of Celebrating International Cat Day

Celebrating International Cat Day has many perks.

It helps build a closer bond between you and your cat, and spreads important information about cat welfare.

Strengthening the Human-Cat Bond

Spending quality time with your cat strengthens your relationship.

Playtime, cuddles, and shared moments make your cat feel loved and secure.

You can try activities like playing with cat toys, grooming your cat, or simply relaxing together.

All these activities boost your connection.

Interactive toys or engaging in activities like catnip hunts will also keep your feline entertained and happy.

This day is perfect for showing your cat just how much they mean to you.

Raising Awareness for Cat Welfare

International Cat Day also shines a light on the importance of cat welfare.

Many people aren’t aware of the issues cats face, such as homelessness or inadequate care.

By celebrating this day, you can spread knowledge about responsible pet ownership.

Advocate for adoption from shelters and highlight the needs of stray and feral cats.

Donating to or volunteering at a cat welfare organization can make a significant impact.

Your efforts can help ensure that all cats get the care and love they deserve.

Creative Ways to Support Cats Year-Round

Supporting cats goes beyond just celebrating International Cat Day.

By volunteering at shelters and promoting cat adoption, you can make a big difference in the lives of many felines.

Volunteering at Shelters

Volunteering at a local animal shelter is a direct and impactful way to help cats.

Shelters often need extra hands for daily tasks such as feeding, cleaning, and socializing with the cats.

By giving a little bit of your time, you can provide much-needed care and attention to these animals, improving their well-being and chances of adoption.

Some shelters offer special training for volunteers, so you can learn how to handle cats properly and support them better.

Consider organizing a group of friends or coworkers to volunteer together.

This not only helps the shelters but also strengthens community bonds.

Additionally, many shelters have programs where you can foster cats, providing a temporary home for those in need.

Fostering helps cats adjust to home life and frees up space in the shelter for more rescues.

Promoting Cat Adoption

Promoting cat adoption in your community can help find loving homes for many cats.

Use social media to highlight cats in need of homes.

Share photos and stories to reach a broader audience.

You could also create or join local groups dedicated to facilitating adoptions.

Participate in or organize adoption events.

These gatherings give people the chance to meet cats in need of homes and often lead to successful adoptions.

Partnering with local businesses or community centers can provide great venues for such events.

You can even help by educating others about the benefits of adopting cats from shelters rather than buying from breeders.

Spread awareness about the need for adoptions and the rewards it brings both to the adopter and the pet.