Every year on August 8th, cat lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Cat Day.
Some may say it’s the purr-fect excuse to spoil your feline friend đŒ but there’s more to it than that. While showing appreciation for our whiskered companions, it’s also a time to raise awareness about cat welfare.
Whether youâre a first-time cat owner or a seasoned cat enthusiast, here are some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate International Cat Day.
1. Treat your cat to something special
Cats may not understand calendars, but they certainly understand treats! Celebrate by:
Offering their favourite snack or a new cat treat.
Preparing a homemade meal safe for cats (like plain cooked chicken or fish). Check out this home made cat treat recipe for some inspo.
Trying puzzle feeders to make snack time fun and enriching.
2. Plan a play session
Play is essential for a catâs physical and mental health. On International Cat Day, set aside some extra time for interactive games. Try:
Wand toys to spark their hunting instincts.
Laser pointers for an exciting chase.
New scratching posts or climbing trees to encourage exercise.
3. Give them a spa day at home
Even the most independent cats love a little pampering:
Brush their coat to reduce shedding and keep fur silky. Get some tips for managing your cat’s fur coat.
Clip their nails (if they tolerate it).
Create a cosy spot with blankets and cushions where they can relax in style.
4. Take your cat on an adventure
Who says cats canât join in on outings? If your kitty is confident and leashâtrained, International Cat Day is the perfect time to plan a little adventure:
Visit a cat cafĂ© – Nowadays, there are pet-friendly cafes on every corner. Or even better, take them to a cat cafĂ© near you. Here are a few of the best:
- Yumiao in Waterloo, Sydney
- Cat Cafe in Melbourne’s CBD
- Crazy Cat Cafe in Surfer’s Paradise, QLD
- Sassy’s in Felixstow, South Australia
Explore the outdoors – Take your cat for a short walk in a secure harness, or set up a catio (AKA. cat patio) at home for safe freshâair fun.
Just remember… not every cat is adventurous, so always put their comfort first.Â
5. Donate or volunteer for cat welfare
International Cat Day is also about raising awareness of cats in need. You can make a difference by:
Donating or volunteering your time to your local animal shelter. Find your nearest RSPCA or animal shelter to find out more.
- Fostering kittens or cats waiting for adoption. Your cat would love a sparing or nap partner!
6. Enrich their environment
Cats thrive when their environment is stimulating. To celebrate, you could:
Set up a window perch so they can watch the world go by.
Rotate their toys to keep playtime exciting. Or even make your own! Follow these simple steps to making your own DIY cat toys.
Try cat-safe plants like catnip or cat grass for enrichment.
Credit đž @whatsmy_mind
7. Spend quality time together
Sometimes the best gift is simply your presence. Curl up with your cat on the couch, enjoy a quiet cuddle, or let them nap on your lap while you read or watch TV.
Don’t even have a cat? You can still spend some quality time, in the form of Cat Yoga! Stretch and be surrounded by feline friends at the same time.
8. Book them a staycation with a Mad Paws Pet Sitter
If you canât be home on International Cat Day, or you just want to treat them to an adventure, consider booking a Mad Paws Cat Sitter or Cat Daycare. Your cat will get:
Personalised 1âonâ1 care tailored to their unique personality.
Playtime and enrichment to keep them happy and engaged.
Photo and video updates so you can still be part of their day, wherever you are.
Itâs a stressâfree way to make sure your kitty feels loved, pampered, and celebrated (even when life gets busy).
Why International Cat Day matters
International Cat Day isnât just about celebrating our pets. Itâs also about recognising the importance of cat welfare worldwide. Millions of cats still need safe homes, proper care, and loving families. By celebrating, youâre also raising awareness and helping improve the lives of cats everywhere.
So go ahead! Treat your cat like the royalty they are đ»
