Cats are fascinating creatures whose sweet nature and funny ways bring so much joy to our lives. For these and countless other reasons, they deserve all the love and attention they can get. Here are eight ideas to help you celebrate International Cat Day with your feline friend.
Eight ways to celebrate
1. What better way to give back to the feline community than to volunteer at a local cat shelter or donate to a cat charity? Money is always welcome, but your time – or your cat’s old toys and blankets – can make a real difference to cats in need.
2. Cats spend around two-thirds of their day sleeping, so why not set some time aside to curl up on the sofa and enjoy a nap with your best friend? Forget meditation – this is our kind of therapy.
3. Spoil your furry friend with some new cat treats and hide them around the house. They’ll love this impromptu treat hunt. You could also keep the fun going with an interactive toy or treat puzzle that taps into their natural hunting instincts. And while you’re at it, leave a few water bowls in unexpected spots to encourage them to drink more.
4. There are so many great films and TV shows featuring iconic cat moments. Classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) always warm our hearts, while the beautifully animated The Aristocats (1970) is another favourite. If you’re after something a little different, Moonrise Kingdom (2012) features an unforgettable feline, while ITV’s Secret Life of Cats (2014) offers a fascinating look at how our cats see the world. Let your cat pick – it’s their special day, after all.
5. Remember what we said about sleep? If your cat’s bed is looking a little worse for wear, treating them to a new one could be the ultimate comfort upgrade. Our cats can happily spend hours curled up in this one.
6. One word: catnip.
7. Have lots of cute pictures on your phone? We’re guessing that’s a yes. Then we suggest creating a photo album entirely dedicated to your cat. A printed album is even better – it’s something you can keep coming back to for years. You’ll love giving those special memories a place to live. Top tip: handwritten captions, stickers and even your cat’s paw prints add extra magic.
8. If you haven’t got around to it yet, make sure your cat is microchipped. It’s one of the best ways to help them find their way home if they ever go missing. And if your cat loves exploring outdoors, a microchip cat flap helps ensure only they can get back inside. Safety comes first.
We know every cat is unique, so if all yours needs to be happy is a ball of yarn and some fresh fish, that’s absolutely fine. Whatever you do, we hope you have a purrfect International Cat Day.
