International Cat Day on August 8
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Yes, there is such a thing. As you might expect, it is a day to celebrate our furry companions. And no, it is not a national holiday yet.
This purr-worthy event was first introduced in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, aiming to raise awareness around cat health and happiness. They marked August 8th as the day to promote feline welfare. Since 2020, the torch has been carried by International Cat Care, a UK-based non-profit devoted to improving cats’ lives worldwide.
Every year, they launch a theme to educate and inspire:
2020: Happy Cats
2021: Be Cat Curious
2022: Cat Friendly Resources
2023: Purrfect Play Every Day
2024: Celebrating Cats
2025: Cat Friendly Every Day
This year’s focus is all about creating environments and routines that respect each cat’s unique nature—whether at home, in clinics, or shelters. It’s a reminder that even small changes can make a big difference in a cat’s physical health and emotional wellbeing.
Here’s how you can embrace the spirit of #CatFriendlyEveryDay.
According to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, there are five types of animal enrichment.
1. Habitat 🏡
Cats need a “home” where they can express their natural behaviors. Depending on where you live, a home for a cat may look different.
For instance, it is encouraged to let a cat roam outside freely through a cat flap in the U.K. On the other hand, keeping a cat indoors in the U.S. and Australia is advised for several reasons, like car accidents, poisoning, infectious diseases, feline population control, and wildlife protection.
Nonetheless, providing at least a cat tree, a hiding place, and a scratching post is imperative.
2. Cognitive 🧩
In other words, mental stimulation. Feline cognitive enrichment is comparable with our intellectual curiosity. This inquisitive mammal craves good brain teasers as well. Like dogs, cats may enjoy clicker training, puzzle-solving, and new activities. They can learn new tricks such as sitting, rolling over or ringing the bell, but cat personality and individual differences do matter. Some cats will give you a high five, others probably prefer people-watching from a high place!
3. Sensory 🎵
Olfactory and auditory stimuli are essential for their happiness. Needless to say, avoid strong cleansers and perfumes as well as loud noises.
If your cat responds positively to calming sprays (though not all do), use it on a carrier or blanket before a vet visit or when introducing them to a new environment. You can also sprinkle catnip on a scratching board to encourage your cat to use it instead of scratching your furniture. Additionally, try offering mint, parsley, or cat thyme to stimulate their sense of smell. Make sure to avoid toxic plants by checking this list.
For auditory enrichment, you can find cat music designed for relaxation from various sources. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary; for instance, when I played some relaxing cat music for my neighbor’s cat, he gave me a judgemental look and demanded more food instead😼!
4. Food 🐟
Cats are famous for being rodent hunters — but it’s not always about the meal. Sometimes, a chase is just part of their natural behavior. And let’s not forget their discerning taste buds. After sampling gourmet cat food, some felines become picky eaters,* favoring specific brands, textures, and flavors.
To satisfy their hunting instincts, encourage them to chase and catch a favorite toy before dinner. Interactive hunting feeders are commercially available for that purpose. *Please talk to your vet if your cat suddenly becomes picky about food.
5. Toys ⚽
A wand, a ball, a pop-up tunnel, a hammock, a ladder, to name a few. Nowadays, you can get a stylish and pretty cat tree that complements your interiors! Here are two tips from the book Decoding Your Cat by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: Make sure your cat won’t ingest any toy, as they may mistake it for actual prey. Also, some cats learn from observation. Play with a new cat toy first (I know how it sounds like!) so that your cat will imitate you.
What I love about International Cat Day is that everyone can be part of this celebration! You don’t have to donate anything (though that would be fantastic!). The whole point is, from my understanding, to educate ourselves about how to take better care of our feline companions. After all, Happy Cat, Happy Life. Right?
Reference
American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. (2020). Decoding your cat: The ultimate experts explain common cat behaviors and reveal how to prevent or change unwanted ones. Mariner Books.