International Cat Day
The world's biggest annual celebration of cats, created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002.
1 min read · Fact-checked · Updated for 2026
About International Cat Day
International Cat Day is celebrated on August 8th, created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Cats are one of the world's most popular pets, with an estimated 500 million domestic cats globally. The day celebrates the human-feline bond and raises awareness of cat welfare, adoption, and the importance of spaying and neutering to prevent overpopulation. Social media explodes each year with cat photos, memes, and videos using #InternationalCatDay. Cats have been revered throughout history, from ancient Egypt where they were worshipped, to internet culture where they reign supreme.
Read more on WikipediaFrom Grain Guards to Goddesses
Cats domesticated themselves: about 10,000 years ago, wildcats moved into early farming villages to hunt rodents in grain stores, and humans were happy to keep them. Ancient Egypt elevated the arrangement into reverence — the goddess Bastet had a cat's head, families mourned deceased cats by shaving their eyebrows, and harming a cat could carry severe punishment.
The Science of the Purr
Cats purr at frequencies of roughly 25–150 Hz — a range studies associate with reduced stress and even bone and tissue healing, which may explain why purring soothes humans too. Cats sleep 12–16 hours a day, can rotate their ears 180 degrees, and their whiskers are precision sensors roughly as wide as their body, used to judge whether they fit through gaps.
A Day for 600 Million Cats
International Cat Day was founded in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare. There are an estimated 600+ million domestic cats worldwide, and they dominate internet culture — from the first viral cat videos to museum exhibitions about cat memes. The day's serious side: promoting adoption, spaying/neutering, and better welfare for street cats.
When is International Cat Day?
International Cat Day is celebrated every year on August 8. Upcoming dates:
| Year | Date | Day of week | |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Cat Day 2026 | August 8, 2026 | Saturday🎉 weekend | View date → |
| International Cat Day 2027 | August 8, 2027 | Sunday🎉 weekend | View date → |
| International Cat Day 2028 | August 8, 2028 | Tuesday | View date → |
| International Cat Day 2029 | August 8, 2029 | Wednesday | View date → |
| International Cat Day 2030 | August 8, 2030 | Thursday | View date → |
How to Celebrate International Cat Day
- 🎯Dive into the story behind International Cat Day — the "About" section above is a good start.
- 💡Plan something themed with friends: food, films, or a small event.
- 📣Join the conversation online under #InternationalCatDay.
Official hashtag: #InternationalCatDay
Frequently Asked Questions
When is International Cat Day 2026?
International Cat Day 2026 is on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
How many days until International Cat Day?
There are 26 days until International Cat Day (August 8, 2026).
What category is International Cat Day?
International Cat Day is categorized as a Animals event.
Is International Cat Day a public holiday?
International Cat Day is an observance day, not typically a public holiday. Check your country's official calendar for local public holidays.