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National Cat Day 2026
National Cat Day is an informal U.S. observance marked on October 29. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, October 29. It was created in 2005 by pet and lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to celebrate cats and encourage rescue and adoption. It is not a federal holiday, and it shares the date with National Oatmeal Day and National Internet Day but is a separate pets observance.
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About National Cat Day
National Cat Day is an informal U.S. observance marked on October 29. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, October 29. It was created in 2005 by pet and lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to celebrate cats and encourage rescue and adoption. It is not a federal holiday, and it shares the date with National Oatmeal Day and National Internet Day but is a separate pets observance.
Cat Day vs Pet / Dog / Animal days
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Cat Day | October 29 | This page - Paige 2005; rescue/adoption |
| National Pet Day | October 5 on this site (Paige 2006) | Broader pets - different date |
| National Dog Day | Different date | Canine sibling - do not merge |
| World Animal Day | October 4 | Broader welfare - different date |
| National Oatmeal Day / National Internet Day | October 29 | Same civil date - different purposes |
National Pet Day is a broader Paige-founded pets observance on a different date. National Oatmeal Day and National Internet Day are labeled same-date neighbors only. See the October 29 hub for other listings that day.
A short, defendable timeline
2005. Colleen Paige creates National Cat Day to celebrate cats and push rescue and adoption awareness. The day recurs on October 29 as an informal animal-welfare tradition - not a government holiday.
Shelter focus. Honest marking of the day prioritizes adoption readiness, shelter support, and responsible care over viral photo stunts. Product suggestions stay optional and secondary.
This page does not claim federal status, treat affiliate products as required celebration, or publish purr-heals or trivia percentages without a named source.
How to celebrate National Cat Day
- Spend quality time with your cat - play, brush, quiet company - on their terms.
- Donate food or supplies to a shelter that publishes needs.
- Consider adoption if you are ready for the full cost and commitment - not impulse.
- Support spay/neuter awareness through reputable local clinics or funds.
- Share #NationalCatDay responsibly - no abandonment-for-content, no distress videos.
Answer-ready summary
National Cat Day is an informal U.S. observance marked on October 29. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, October 29. Colleen Paige created it in 2005 to celebrate cats and encourage rescue and adoption. It is not a federal holiday, and it shares the date with National Oatmeal Day and National Internet Day for different purposes.
Facts
- Cats spend 70% of their lives sleeping - that's 13-16 hours per day
- A group of cats is called a 'clowder' or a 'glaring'
- Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees independently
- A cat's purr has healing properties and can help reduce stress in humans
- Cats have been domesticated for over 4,000 years
Upcoming dates
- Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Friday, October 29, 2027
- Sunday, October 29, 2028
- Monday, October 29, 2029
- Tuesday, October 29, 2030
What you need
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Cat Day is water they will actually drink.
Frequently asked questions
When is National Cat Day in 2026?
Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Is today National Cat Day?
No. National Cat Day in 2026 falls on Thursday, October 29, 2026, not today.
Who started National Cat Day?
Colleen Paige in 2005.
What is National Cat Day?
An informal U.S. observance to celebrate cats and encourage rescue and adoption.
How do you celebrate National Cat Day?
Care for cats you have, support shelters, consider adoption if ready, and share responsibly.
Is National Cat Day an official holiday?
No. It is not a federal holiday.
How does National Cat Day differ from National Pet Day?
National Pet Day (October 5 on this site) is a broader pets observance also linked to Paige. Cat Day is cat-specific on October 29.
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