National Cats Day

A cute white cat with bright blue eyes, wearing a bowtie, sitting on a fluffy cloud surrounded by whimsical cat-themed decorations..
National cats day illustration

Welcome to the meow-vellous world of National Cat Day! It's time to celebrate the furry feline companions who rule our hearts, our homes, and the internet. Get ready to dive into a purr-fectly delightful day full of whiskers, cuddles, and of course, plenty of cat memes.

When is Cats Day?

It's national cats day on the 30th October.


Internet History of National Cat Day

Let's take a trip down memory lane to explore the internet history of National Cat Day. Back in 2005, animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige established this special day to raise awareness about the millions of cats in shelters and to promote adoptions. With the help of social media and the power of cute cat pictures, National Cat Day quickly spread its paws around the virtual world.

The online cat craze reached new heights in 2010 when Grumpy Cat, the iconic feline with a perpetually displeased expression, took the internet by storm. Her grumpy face became a viral sensation, captivating millions of hearts worldwide. This internet sensation paved the way for countless other famous feline influencers, from Lil Bub to Maru.

Since then, National Cat Day has become an annual online celebration filled with heartwarming stories, hilarious cat videos, and adorable photos that make even the toughest dog-lover fall head over tails in love with our whiskered friends.

Fun Facts about Cats

Did you know that cats sleep for around 70% of their lives? That means they're only awake for about 6-7 hours a day on average. Talk about living the true VIP (Very Important Purrson) lifestyle! Whether they're snoozing in sunbeams, perched on the highest shelf, or snuggled up in your lap, cats know how to make the most of their waking hours.



History behind the term 'Cats'


2400 BC

Ancient Egyptian Worship

Cats have been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of their domestication dates back to ancient Egypt around 2400 BC. Egyptians revered cats and considered them sacred animals. They believed that cats possessed protective qualities and worshipped the feline goddess Bastet, who was associated with fertility, protection, and happiness.


500 BC

Greek Influence

As the Egyptian civilization declined, cats began to make their way to other parts of the world. Around 500 BC, cats were introduced to Greece. The Greeks recognized the hunting abilities of cats and appreciated their companionship. Cats became associated with luxury and elegance, often depicted in artwork and literature during this period.


9th Century

Spread to Europe

Cats journeyed to Europe through trade routes and Viking expeditions. They were highly valued for their ability to control rodent populations, especially in medieval cities where rats spread diseases. This led to the widespread adoption of cats as household pets in Europe and their role as protectors of human health.



1692

Salem Witch Trials

During the Salem Witch Trials in colonial America, cats were associated with witchcraft and were often seen as familiars or companions of witches. This negative portrayal contributed to the persecution and killing of cats, adding to the superstitions surrounding these feline creatures.


1871

Cat Shows and Cat Fancy

In the late 19th century, the first cat shows emerged. These shows allowed feline enthusiasts to showcase their pedigreed cats and led to the development of organized cat breeding. The term 'Cat Fancy' was coined to describe the collective interest in breeding and exhibiting cats, as well as the appreciation of feline beauty and personality.


1940s

Cartoon Cats and Pop Culture

Cartoon characters like Felix the Cat and Tom from Tom and Jerry became beloved icons in the 1940s, further influencing popular culture's fascination with cats. These lovable and mischievous feline characters captured the hearts of audiences, cementing cats' place in entertainment and media.



2012

Internet Cat Videos

The rise of the internet brought about the phenomenon of cat videos. In 2012, cat videos became a viral sensation, filling social media platforms with adorable, funny, and heartwarming clips. This internet trend solidified cats as internet superstars and showcased their ability to capture the attention and affection of people worldwide.


Did you know?

Fun Fact: Cats sleep for around 70% of their lives!

Tagged

awareness fun

First identified

9th August 2015

Most mentioned on

30th October 2015

Total mentions

1207

Other days

nurses

Nurses Day

former prisoner of war recognition

Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day

press

Press Day


handloom

Handloom Day

heroes

Heroes Day

memorial

Memorial Day


dance

Dance Day

bestfriends

Bestfriends Day

liberation

Liberation Day


love your pet

Love Your Pet Day