International Cat Day 2021 : How and Why is it celebrated?

International Cat Day – otherwise known as World Cat Day is a celebration which takes place on 8th August, every year. It was created in 2002 and is used to celebrate fellowship that people and felines share, as well as to advocate for the wellbeing and prosperity of the felines. International Cat Day, since its inception, has been growing worldwide. It is a day to raise awareness for cats and find out about approaches to help and secure them.

“There is no greater blessing than the love of a cat” – Charles Dickens

An estimated 500 million cats (this include pets, strays, homeless and feral cats in the world) are thought to be frolicking in neighbors’ gardens across the world, which means that almost every extended family will undoubtedly have an auntie with a greater number of little cats than previous spouses, whatever the nation or climate. And that’s extraordinary because owning a feline appears to improve emotional well-being and to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.

As stated by PETA, and as of 2016, there are about 3.4 million cats that enter shelters each year, just in the United States alone. About 1.4 million of these 3.4 million cats will be euthanized. Of all the felines which enter U.S. shelters each year, around 41% are put down, 37% are adopted and 5% are eventually returned to their owners.

 

History of International Cat Day

 

 

For a long time, researchers have been attempting to discover how exactly cats came to be. According to some sources, a wildcat was found buried near the corpse of a person in Cyprus who lived approximately 9,500 years ago. This suggests that humans may have had a relationship with cats that go back to a lot further than initially thought. Scientists used to believe that cat ownership could be traced back to central China, about 5,500 years ago.

A few researchers state that cultivating or agriculture was being practiced since ancient times. So, with agriculture, excess of grain rodents came, and to battle with the rat invasions, farmers started to train wildcats. Over the years these wild cats evolved.

Another source stated that the Ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to harness the glory of the feline. Nearly 4,000 years ago, they domesticated our four-legged friends by keeping them near the food stores. Cats quickly earned a reputation for being extraordinary trackers, and later, Egyptians loved them as Gods.

International Cat Day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare as a path for individuals to respect their catlike companions and as a day to advocate for felines. It is also a day when people can go to their local animal shelter and salvage a cat from being put down. Of course, if you’re a cat owner, you know that every day is International Cat Day. They’re not about to let us forget.

 

Why we love International Cat Day?

 

 

This day is a big deal for all the cat lovers across the globe. According to PFMA, in the UK alone, there are 8 million pet cats. The most popular location for pet cats is in the South East where 890,000 family units possess a feline.  Cleaner Paws website states that pet ownership has increased across the world in the past 10 years, with around 57 percent of households owning a pet.

They expressed that regardless of dogs being the number one pet, all-inclusive, cats are not a long way behind. America is home to the most cats, totaling 74.1 million. So having a special day in which to celebrate our furry, feline friends is a must! Here are some facts or you call it reasons, why to have and love cats and celebrate International Cat Day:

1. Prowling around

Who needs chemicals, rodent traps, or an exterminator, when you have a lean, mean (however charming and cuddly) slaughtering machine living in your home? It’s no surprise, of course. Humans domesticated cats for their hunting prowess.

2. They’re happy…and they know it

 

 

Even if they attempt to treat us with complete disdain, maintain a strategic distance from our touch, or cover-up under the bed, they’re genuinely incapable of masking their happiness. That motor-like purr gives them away every time.

3. Low maintenance

If you’re a cat owner, odds are you’ve bought a glossy new toy for your catlike companion, just for her to overlook it. Rather, she’ll assault a chunk of disposed of aluminum foil. Luckily, cats appear to be flawlessly content playing with regular family unit things – saving you some money in the process.

4. Countless Health Benefits

Aside from being hairy, adorable and independent, cats are likewise scientifically proven to be beneficial for your wellbeing. So much that, even watching cat videos online can help one feel elated. Studies have indicated that simply watching cat videos on the web can help an individual’s vitality and make positive feelings.

 

International Cat Day Customs & Celebrations

 

I realize this might be a controversial statement, but for what it’s worth: It’s International Cat Day, and you ought to praise it. Hear us out. We have some good points, particularly when it comes to how to celebrate International Cat Day. There’s no particular festival or occasion that imprints to an event, yet whatever. As the cat does, you too, can make your own time? Here’s how:

1. Volunteer at the Local Cat Shelter

With over 3 million cats entering animal shelters every year, these shelters could use some help. If not, actually taking care of the cats, then showing them love and affection. They deserve it, even cats. Call around to your neighborhood animal shelters and check whether any of them could utilize your help. Many shelters are actively looking for volunteers throughout the entire year. You can likewise donate covers, food, and toys to animal welfare organizations.

2. Visit a Cat Café

Truly, there are such things as feline bistros and they exist everywhere throughout the world. Cat Cafes have been around to over 20 years, yet it’s an ageless idea: While the caffeine raises your heart rate, the soothing purr of a fuzzy cat brings it right back down – it’s a therapy for the cost of a piping hot beverage. There are more than 125 feline bistros in the US and 150 in Japan and hundreds more sprinkled like catnip over the globe. So go through the day tasting espresso and petting some excessively delicate kitties. It’s a decision you won’t regret.

3. Throw an International Cat party

Invite quiet kitty loving friends from foreign lands, watch The Aristocrats or a few episodes of My Cat from Hell, because you’ll gain as much insight into humans as much you will into cats if you acknowledge having Jackson Galaxy into your life. Have some exotic treats ready for when your cat makes their grand entrance.

4. Donate to a Cat Charity

International Cat Day is an extraordinary day to provide for one of the numerous incredible causes that help out cats. Besides the International Fund for Animal Welfare, there are several cat charities that you can donate to. Some of the popular organizations are Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, National Cat Protection Society, Blind Cat Rescue, and the ASPCA. You can likewise support the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) as your AmazonSmile good cause and you’ll be giving 0.5 percent of your price each time you shop.

5. Get your Hashtag Ready

If you’re a cat lover – and we know you are! – You’ll want to participate on this special day by dedicating your social media to cats! Don’t forget to use #InternationalCatDay over every social network when sharing your favorite cat pictures and videos with the world. You may simply get a few likes, shares, and follows from feline darlings everywhere throughout the world!

6. Dress the Part

Regardless of whether you’re spending International Cat Day at school, work, home, or out on the town, show your affection for cats by wearing a couple of cat ears. Claws are optional. You can also bake some cat-shaped cookies for your kids, friends or office and bake some tuna cookies for your cat. Buy an official International Cat Day and sport it proudly!

7. Take a Catnap

 

 

Cats. When they’re not scratching up the furniture (or your skin), they’re napping, purring, snuggling balls of joys. Cats are the world’s foremost experts in napping. Getting anywhere from 12-16 hours of shuteye per day, cats are not only incredibly well-rested – they can also comfort themselves into countless nap-time positions. Your cat will be so happy if you twist up and rest the day away with them. Cancel everything!

8. Get ready for an International Cat Agility Tournament

Have you heard of International Cat Agility Tournaments? If not, you have a ton of work to do. ICAT says to play with your feline consistently. Start there. Then work in the fiery rings and equalization bars. If you have a social, athletic kitty, competition would be an enjoyable spot to meet individual cat sweethearts. Maybe you’ll even make an international friend!

9. Get a Handmade Portrait Painting of your cat

There’s an online creative platform BookMyPainting, where you can get a custom 100% handmade portrait of genuine quality, a  painting of your precious furry baby at a reasonable price. This website has the smoothest interface so that you don’t hassle while you order your masterpiece. They offer various mediums like the classiest charcoal sketches, oil paintings with the royal look and many more. You’ll feel proud when you hang that painting in your living room and flaunt your feline companion.

10. A catty selfie

Tell the entire world how you feel by snapping a selfie with your cat and posting it via web-based networking social media.

 

Conclusion

Other ways you can praise the day is to receive a wanderer a stray cat, buy some cat-themed merchandise or essentially show your cat some love and warmth. Celebrate International Cat Day can be fun for both you and your cat. So present a royal welcome and the catnip for your furry feline friend, because International Cat Day is that one day every year when black cats bring good luck and cat-eye shades coordinates with your entire wardrobe. Be that as it may, in contrast to your adored cat, you’ve just got one life rather than nine. So live to the fullest or take a cue from a cat and laze about to honor man’s other best friend.