National Cat Day History

National Cat Day is a day dedicated to appreciating cats and promoting their adoption from shelters. It aims to raise awareness about the significant number of cats in need of homes and highlights the benefits of welcoming a feline companion into one's life. The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of spaying and neutering cats to address overpopulation issues.

The history of National Cat Day traces back to 2005 when it was founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige. Her intention was to draw attention to the plight of cats in shelters and to encourage people to adopt rather than buy. In the United Kingdom, this day is recognised alongside other feline-focused observances. Notably, the UK also marks National Black Cat Day on October 27th, established by the charity Cats Protection to help overcome adoption challenges faced by black cats.

In the UK, National Cat Day is observed through various activities focused on celebrating and supporting cats. Many choose to spoil their own feline friends with extra attention, new toys, or special treats. Others support cat welfare by donating to local shelters or volunteering their time. For those considering adding a cat to their family, it is an opportune time to visit a shelter and adopt a cat in need. National Cat Day in the UK is observed annually on October 29th.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 National Cat Day in the UK

• For the 2026 observance, cat lovers and welfare organizations emphasize the importance of shelter support, as the late October timing serves as a strategic window to boost adoption rates before the holiday season.
• While National Cat Day is widely recognized on October 29th, the United Kingdom also observes a specific National Black Cat Day on October 27th to highlight the unique challenges faced by black and black-and-white felines in finding forever homes.
• The entire month of October is designated as Black Cat Awareness Month in the United Kingdom, providing a sustained period to challenge superstitions and biases that historically lead to longer shelter stays for black cats.
• Founded in 2005 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, the day functions as both a celebration of feline companionship and an urgent awareness campaign regarding cat overpopulation.
• The observance encourages the public to participate in 'activism' by donating to local rescues, fostering animals, or considering the adoption of a cat from a shelter.
• Scientific consensus highlights that cat ownership provides significant human health benefits, including reduced stress levels, lower blood pressure, and a decreased sense of isolation.
• Many participants choose to honor the day by upgrading their pet's 'kingdom,' with simple items like a new cardboard box often serving as highly effective enrichment for domestic cats.
• The United Kingdom is home to the charity Cats Protection, which plays a central role in feline welfare advocacy and is the organization responsible for establishing the nation's specific Black Cat Day.
• Unlike some international cat holidays that focus on specific themes like #ThinkCAT—which centers on global education and feline welfare—National Cat Day on October 29th remains a broad, internationally recognized celebration of all cat types and personalities.
• * Beyond adoption, the day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of spaying and neutering programs in managing the population of stray and abandoned cats.

In the News and Trending in the UK for National Cat Day

Top things to do in the UK for National Cat Day

• Adopt a cat. There are local shelters in most counties that pick up strays or take in animals that have been given up or abandoned. Visit your local shelter to pick up a new companion.
• Visit a nearby cat shelter to volunteer your time, donate supplies or funds, or even adopt a new furry friend. Some well-known cat shelters in the UK include Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Cats Protection, and RSPCA.
• Cat cafes are a growing trend, and there are several in the UK, such as Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium in London and CatPawCino in Newcastle. Enjoy some tea and cake while surrounded by cats who are available for adoption or just hanging out.