National Cat Day 2026 (Oct 29): 12 Ways to Celebrate Your Cat
Cats do not need an excuse to be spoiled. But they have one anyway. National Cat Day is the official day to celebrate the furry roommate who sleeps on your laundry and judges your life choices. Here is when it is, how it started and 12 easy ways to make it a good one.
- When is it?
- How it started
- Other cat days
- 12 ways to celebrate
- Help shelter cats
- Gifts for cat people
- FAQ
When is National Cat Day 2026?
National Cat Day is on October 29 every year. In 2026 that is a Thursday, so plan a cozy evening at home with your cat after work, or start the celebration early by setting up a new toy the night before.
It comes just two days after National Black Cat Day on October 27, which makes the end of October a pretty great week to be a cat.
Who started National Cat Day, and why?
National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate, according to National Day Calendar. The day has two jobs:
- Celebrate cats, quirks and all, and give them a little extra attention.
- Help cats in need by encouraging people to adopt from shelters and to spay and neuter to reduce the number of homeless cats, as PetsRadar also notes.
So yes, it is a day for cat photos. It is also a reminder that plenty of cats are still waiting for a home of their own.
National Cat Day vs International Cat Day (and other cat days)
Cats are popular enough to have several days on the calendar. Here are the main ones:
| Day | Date | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| National Cat Day (US) | October 29 | Founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige |
| International Cat Day | August 8 | Created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare; run by International Cat Care since 2020 |
| National Black Cat Day | October 27 | Started in 2011 by the UK charity Cats Protection |
| Black Cat Appreciation Day | August 17 | Started in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris |
| Cat Day in Japan (Neko no Hi) | February 22 | 2-2-2 sounds like “nyan nyan nyan,” the Japanese version of “meow meow meow” |
12 ways to celebrate National Cat Day
None of these require a big budget. Most of the best ones are free.
1. Slow blink at your cat. Narrow your eyes like a relaxed smile, then close them for a second or two. In a 2020 University of Sussex study, cats were more likely to slow blink back at people who did this, and more likely to approach a stranger who slow blinked at them.
2. Have a real play session. Ten to fifteen minutes with a wand toy, letting your cat stalk, chase and finally “catch” it. End with a treat or a meal, like a successful hunt.
3. Build a box fort. Two or three cardboard boxes with cat-sized doorways cut in them. It costs nothing and many cats love it more than anything you can buy.
4. Upgrade the window seat. Clear a sunny sill, add a folded blanket and open the blinds. Bird watching is prime entertainment for indoor cats.
5. Rotate the toys. Put half of the toys away and bring out the “new” ones. Old toys feel exciting again after a week in a drawer.
6. Add a new cozy spot. A soft bed or hideaway near where you spend the most time lets your cat nap close to you.
7. Hold a photo shoot. Window light, cat at eye level, focus on the eyes. Post your favorite with #NationalCatDay.
8. Do a little grooming. If your cat enjoys it, a gentle brushing session is bonding time and picks up loose fur before it lands on your couch.
9. Book the yearly check-up. If your cat is due for a vet visit, today is a good day to put it on the calendar.
10. Update their microchip. Check that the contact details linked to your cat's microchip are current. It takes five minutes.
11. Do something for shelter cats. Donate, sponsor, volunteer or share an adoptable cat's profile. More ideas below.
12. Celebrate them at home. Hang something that makes you smile every time you walk past, like a funny cat sign that tells the truth about who is in charge.
If you ask Sky, the ideal National Cat Day involves a soft rug, a long nap belly-up and nobody moving him. Angel, our sweet girl, would probably add a cute head tilt or two.
The point is to do what your cat loves. Some cats want a big play session. Some just want you to sit still so they can sleep on you. Both count.
Playtime pick
FlappyBird Interactive Cat Toy
An interactive plush bird toy that wakes up a cat's hunting instinct. A fun “new toy” for National Cat Day.
$25.95 · Free US shipping
Shop FlappyBirdHow to help shelter cats on National Cat Day
Shelter cats are a big part of why this day exists. A few ways to help, whatever your budget:
- Adopt or foster if you are ready. Fostering is a great way to help if you cannot commit long term.
- Call and ask what they need. Many shelters keep a wish list of food, litter, blankets and toys.
- Sponsor a cat who has been waiting a long time.
- Share adoptable cats on social media. One share can reach the right person.
- Shop with a purpose. A portion of every Pawsfull order helps save pets.
National Cat Day gifts for the cat people in your life
National Cat Day is also a good excuse to make a cat-loving friend smile. Our two Pawsfull canvases were made for exactly that. One is for the bathroom (because no cat owner has used the bathroom alone in years), and one is for the front hall, so guests know who really owns the place.
★★★★★ 5.0 (13 reviews)
“Welcome to the Bathroom… a cat will be with you shortly” Canvas
For every cat who waits outside the bathroom door (or comes right in). Clean black-and-white lettering that fits any bathroom.
- Our best-selling canvas
- 3 sizes, free US shipping
From $59.99 · Free US shipping
Shop the bathroom sign
Pawsfull original
“This House Is Owned By Cats” Canvas
We just pay the bills. Available in Black & Gold or White & Black, in three sizes.
From $59.99 · Free US shipping
Shop Owned By CatsPlanning ahead for the holidays? See our Christmas gifts for cat lovers and our guide to cat wall art ideas. Or browse our gifts for cat lovers.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Cat Day 2026?
National Cat Day is on Thursday, October 29, 2026. It falls on October 29 every year.
Who started National Cat Day?
National Cat Day was founded in 2005 by Colleen Paige, a pet lifestyle expert and animal welfare advocate. It celebrates cats and encourages shelter adoption and spaying and neutering.
Is National Cat Day the same as International Cat Day?
No. National Cat Day in the US is October 29. International Cat Day is August 8. It was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and has been run by International Cat Care since 2020.
What is the hashtag for National Cat Day?
The usual hashtag is #NationalCatDay. Post your best photo on October 29 and you will be in very good company.
How do I celebrate National Cat Day if I don't have a cat?
Donate supplies to a shelter, volunteer, sponsor a shelter cat, offer to cat-sit for a friend, or send a cat-loving friend a small gift. Fostering is another great option if you are curious about living with a cat.
Happy National Cat Day.
Celebrate the cat who runs your house. Free US shipping on every order, with 30-day returns on ready-made canvases.
Shop gifts for cat lovers
