Global Cat Day

Paws up for Global Cat Day!

Cats deserve the best, just like any other member of the family.
And to deny cats healthcare is like saying ‘no’ to a fluffy, four-legged fountain of unconditional love. Unthinkable!
That’s why Global Cat Day is so important. All cats deserve to be healthy and happy, whether they’re beloved pets or strays.
Because their charm should last nine lives, not just one!

The Origin of Global Cat Day

Global Cat Day, once known as Feral Cat Day, was created in 2001 by the feline advocates at Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of cats. Feral Cat Day later rebranded to encompass all cats in 2016, becoming a global sensation.
The organization was motivated by a desire to raise awareness about the importance of feline health and welfare, to rescue stray cats and promote responsible pet ownership.
Global Cat Day is celebrated annually on October 16th and is now celebrated worldwide by individuals, schools, and organizations.

Why Do So Many Cats End Up Stray?

Cats deserve our love and care, regardless of their home address.
Sadly, many cats find themselves on the streets, far from cozy couches and scratching posts. Some cats are abandoned by their owners, while others are simply lost. Still others are born into feral colonies and never know the comfort of a loving home.
Stray cats, often considered exotic in many regions, can disrupt local ecosystems, posing challenges for both felines and the environment.
Our task is to address these issues, providing guidance and resources to ensure that every cat, whether in a cozy home or on the city streets, receives the care and love they need.

Why Spaying and Neutering is the Cat’s Meow:

One of the best ways to help stray cats is to give our own pet cats the gift of neutering or spaying.

• Kitty’s Health Insurance:
  Neutering your cat is like getting them a VIP health insurance policy. It prevents some serious issues such as ovarian cysts and prostate problems, ensuring a longer, healthier life for your feline friend.
• Population Control:
  Fewer kittens, fewer strays, curbing the stray cat population. It’s like solving the puzzle before it’s even started!
• Less Roaming, Less Risk:
  Neutered males are less likely to roam, reducing their chances of accidents or getting into catfights.
• Peaceful Coexistence:
  By controlling the stray cat population, we ensure less strain on local ecosystems.
• Increases Lifespan:
  Studies have shown that spayed and neutered cats live longer than intact cats. As mentioned in less ailments and less dangerous behavior.

Debunking Cat-astrophes:

Myth: “My Cat Will Lose Its Mojo!”
Fact: Neutering doesn’t turn your fearless feline into a furry couch potato. They’ll keep their spirit intact; it just makes them less likely to roam or engage in certain behaviors and they won’t add to the feline family tree.

Myth: “But My Kitty Needs to Experience Parenthood!”
Reality:  Cats don’t need to have a litter before being spayed; it’s a myth. In fact, early spaying is recommended by many experts.

Myth: “It’s Too Expensive”
Fact: Spaying and neutering is cheap compared to the cost of caring for a litter of kittens. It’s also an investment in a cat’s well-being. And many organizations offer affordable spay/neuter programs.

Myth: “They’ll become overweight”
Reality:  Proper diet and exercise control weight, not spaying or neutering.

Myth: “It is cruel to spay and neuter cats”
Fact: Spaying and neutering is a safe and common procedure that is performed by veterinarians every day. It is much more cruel to allow a cat to reproduce and then have its kittens end up in shelters or on the streets.

What Else Can You Do?

If you see a stray cat that is injured or sick, please take it to a veterinarian or animal shelter.
You can also help stray cats by providing them with food and water, and by offering them shelter from the elements.
Ask your local shelters or vets about how you can help with acts of kindness to stray cats. Many shelters offer low-cost or free veterinary care for stray cats so you can help with providing them with vaccinations against common feline diseases, such as rabies and distemper.

How to Celebrate Global Cat Day

• Adopt a Feline Friend:
  Give a cat the gift of a loving home and a lifelong companion. They’ll repay you with a lifetime of purrs and affection.
• Cat Cafe Crawl:
  Visit your local cat cafes, enjoy a cup of coffee, and give some shelter cats a bit of love.
• Volunteer at a Shelter:
  Lend a paw at your nearest animal shelter. Cats love a friendly face and a warm lap.
• Support Local Cat Shelters:
  Donate to a local animal shelter or cat rescue organization.. A small contribution can make a big difference.
• Craft for Cats:
  Get crafty and create cat toys or blankets to donate to your local animal shelter.
• Organize a Feline Film Night:
  Spend the day watching your favorite cat-themed movies, from classics like “The Aristocats” to modern hits like “Puss in Boots.” Have a movie night featuring cat-themed films or even classics like ‘The Aristocats.’
• Cat-ify Your Social Media:
  Post your favorite cat photos or share stories of your own beloved feline companions. Host a virtual cat photo contest and encourage participants to share their fur babies’ pics for a good cause. Use hashtags like #GlobalCatDay and #HappyGlobalCatDay.

The Cat’s Out of the Bag!

Let’s make Global Cat Day a day to remember, because our feline overlords deserve the best!
So, if anyone asks why you’re celebrating Global Cat Day by donning a cat costume and singing ‘Memory’ from Cats on the local street corner, just say that the Wild Calendar gave you permission to do so and invite them in on the fun!
May your world be filled with purrs and whiskers!
Happy Global Cat Day!