World Cat Day

Each year, world cat day honors cats. The event aims in particular to raise public awareness of the benefits provided by the animal and the steps to take to care for and protect it. Details.

International Cat Day: August 8

World Cat Day is held on August 8 each year. This celebration was started in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) with the aim of caring for and protecting the rights of felines. Many countries have cultivated the idea at their own level and added a national cat day to this global event.

International Fund for Animal Welfare: what is it?

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was established in Canada in 1969 by Welsh-born activist Brian Davies. That same year marked the organization’s first major action: ending the commercial hunt for baby seals (whitecoats) on the Canadian coast. Present in more than forty countries, IFAW is a global non-profit organization whose mission is to save, cure and release animals but also to restore and protect their natural habitats.

What is International Cat Day?

Initially, International Cat Day was initiated by IFAW with the goal of encouraging feline owners and enthusiasts to celebrate and care for them. On this occasion, organizations for the protection and reception of cats are encouraged to put in place actions promoting the adoption of cats. Since the Internet boom, cat fans have taken advantage of this special day to post videos or photos on social media.

August 8: first an information day

On International Cat Day, the organizers are implementing initiatives to inform the general public about the daily benefits of cats. On this occasion, it is generally recalled that:

The cat has been a revered animal since ancient times. The major place occupied by the feline in humans has lasted for millennia! Ally of the Egyptians for its ability to hunt rats, mice, field mice, birds and snakes, the feline quickly became their favorite pet because despite its wild temperament, it was gentle and quiet. By ridding crops of certain pests, cats symbolized protection and were therefore considered gods;
The cat is a 100% natural relaxant. Protector of agriculture in ancient Egypt and not only … The feline would benefit our brain and our heart. Several studies have indeed looked at the positive impacts, both physical and emotional, that cats have on humans. It has been observed that after only ten minutes of petting a pet, the level of cortisol (hormone associated with stress) drops considerably. According to some experts, the low frequencies emitted by a cat’s purring act like medicine, helping to reduce anxiety levels and blood pressure.

Here are some effective ways to celebrate the day:

Visit the nearest cat shelter and volunteer
Adopt a stray cat from a local shelter or rescue
Spend quality time with your cat by indulging in a fun photoshoot or game session
Take your cat for a grooming session
Treat your cat to its favourite snacks

August 8: an international day of action

In addition to highlighting the benefits of having a cat by your side, the annual event is also a special time for:

Encourage their adoption within the many SPA shelters and other associations. Summer is the period always corresponding to an increase in the abandonment of cats and especially kittens. If animal protection structures act on a daily basis, August 8 sheds light on the phenomenon and raises public awareness of their cause. As a reminder, abandoning a pet is an offense punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros;
Remind people of the importance of sterilization. Namely that a couple of cats can lead to the birth of 20,000 kittens in four years, a proliferation of small felines that can grow up in poor conditions, or even die from lack of care and food. On International Day, animal welfare organizations insist that sterilizing your cat helps break the cycle of animal abandonment;

Share information about their protection and well-being. Since International Cat Day takes place in the summer, it can coincide with a heat wave to which animals are particularly sensitive. Websites and blogs can thus offer advice on how to help felines fight against heat but also exchange tips and know-how on cat health, hygiene, food or entertainment.

Sources: PinterPandai, International Cat Care, NDTV

Photo credit: Alvesgaspar / Wikimedia Commons