International Cat Day 2025: How the world celebrates cats
It's International Cat Day!
All around the world, people are celebrating their Fluffy Friends.
In Istanbul, a fluffy ginger cat has a kip in the shade of an old building.
Shop owners give the cat water.
Tourists stop to take photos.
But this sort of thing happens everywhere!
From Tokyo to Rome, people everywhere love cats.
That's why we celebrate them on 8th August every year.
International Cat Day started in 2002.
A group called the International Fund for Animal Welfare created this special day to help people care for cats.
Maybe this is your first cat.
Or maybe you've had one for ages.
Either way, today's a brilliant day to learn how people around the world show love to their cats.
Fancy taking a fun trip?
Let's go see how cats are celebrated!
Table of Contents
- Japan: land of cat cafés, shrines, and cat islands
- Turkey: where street cats are like family
- Italy: cats live in old, old places
- United States: from helping street cats to famous cats online
- Egypt: where cats were like gods (and kind of still are)
- India: where cats walk between gods and coffee shops
- How to join the global celebration (from anywhere)
- One world, many cats, so many ways to love them
Japan: land of cat cafés, shrines, and cat islands
Japan might be the best place in the world for cat lovers!
Walk around any Japanese city and you'll see cute cat statues called Maneki-neko.
These lucky cats bring good luck to shops and homes.
People in Japan have loved these cat statues for hundreds of years!
Cat cafés everywhere
Japan gave the world something brilliant - cat cafés!
These cosy places let people drink coffee whilst petting cats.
The first cat cafe opened in Taiwan but Japan made them really popular.
Now there are hundreds in Japan.
They're a great way for busy people to spend time with cats when they can't have pets at home.
An island full of cats
Here's something wild!
There's a place in Japan where cats are everywhere.
As of writing, Aoshima Island has more or less than ten people, but it has about 80 cats!
The old people who live there look after all the stray cats.
It's like a proper cat paradise, and cat lovers from all over the world visit this tiny island.
They just want to be around loads of friendly cats – and who wouldn’t!
Turkey: where street cats are like family
In Turkey, street cats aren't just cats wandering about; they're like part of the family!
This comes from old traditions. It also comes from their religion that says to be kind to animals.
Everyone helps the cats
Walk through Istanbul's streets and you'll see something wonderful!
People put out food bowls and water for cats.
They build little shelters too.
Shop owners help.
Restaurant workers help.
Regular people help too.
They think these cats without homes are part of their big family.
It's like the whole city is one massive animal shelter!
Famous cat film
A film called "Kedi" showed the world how special Istanbul's cats are.
These street cats have their own personalities.
They have favourite spots for a kip.
They have human mates who know their names.
Tourists help too!
They buy cat food to feed the local cats.
The government supports local groups, making it easier to help stray cats in many cities.
Italy: cats live in old, old places
Rome has something really cool too, cats and old history together!
Some of Rome's most famous old buildings now have people who look after cats there.
Cats living in ancient ruins
Right in the middle of Rome, there are ruins that are over 2,000 years old.
Guess what lives there?
Hundreds of cats!
At the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, kind people care for the cats every day.
It's like the cats are tiny guardians, watching over the ancient ruins of Rome!
Related: New kitten checklist: What you actually need
United States: from helping street cats to famous cats online
The United States loves cats in some pretty cool ways!
From clever programmes that help cats to cats who are famous on the internet, American cats live pretty good lives.
Programmes that help street cats
Animal shelters all over the country help cats in a better way now.
Instead of taking cats away from outside, these programmes help control how many cats there are.
But they let cats keep living their normal lives outside.
Groups like Best Friends Animal Society say this is the best way to help outdoor cats.
Famous cats and fancy lives
American cats have become stars on social media platforms!
Grumpy Cat and Nala Cat have millions of people who follow them online.
They show the world how much Americans love their companion animals.
Many pet owners now treat their cats like real celebrities.
They buy them fancy beds, cat strollers, and special food.
More and more people want to spoil their house cats.
This has made loads of new cat products.
Want to treat your feline friend like a star?
A cosy calming bed can make any spot in your home perfect for a nap.
It looks great in photos too!
Plus it's good for your cat's mental health.
Keeping furniture safe
Since cats spend more time inside now, American cat owners got smart about protecting their stuff.
Pretty furniture covers let cats enjoy their favourite sleeping spots.
But they keep sofas and chairs looking nice too.
It's good for both cats and their humans!
Egypt: where cats were like gods (and kind of still are)
Ancient Egypt has the coolest cat history ever!
Cats weren't just pets back then.
They were special animals connected to a goddess named Bastet.
Ancient Egyptians loved cats so much that people who harmed them could get into serious trouble—even prison! And when a family cat passed away, some people would shave their eyebrows to show how sad they were.
From special cats to street cats
Cats aren't worshipped like gods anymore.
But people in Egypt still really respect cats.
Egyptian cities have loads of stray cats.
Just like in ancient times, many local people think looking after cats is a good thing to do.
They believe it brings good luck too.
Old ways meet new ways
Egyptian cat lovers today still honour their rich history.
But they also face new challenges, like too many stray cats in busy cities and not enough resources to care for them all.
That's why people at local cat shelters work hard to rescue and feed street cats.
Many families still believe that having cats around brings protection and good luck—just like their ancestors did ages ago!
It's mad to think about: Ancient Egyptian art shows cats wearing gold jewellery and eating from fancy bowls.
And today's Cairo cats?
They might be having a kip in the shadow of the same pyramids their great-great-great-grandparents once roamed!
India: where cats walk between gods and coffee shops
Furry friends in ancient stories
A long time ago in India, cats were part of powerful stories.
One goddess named Shashthi rode a cat and protected babies and mums.
Another goddess, Durga, had a big wild cat (or lion!) as her helper.
People saw cats as strong, caring, and kind of magical.
Street cats, temple cats, and lucky cats
Today, cats are everywhere in India—on rooftops, near temples, and having a kip in busy markets.
Some people think having a cat around brings good luck.
Others still believe black cats are unlucky.
Just like the country itself, India's cat beliefs are full of surprises.
From myths to modern cat cafés
In Mumbai, there's a special place called Cat Café Studio where rescued street cats hang out with humans.
You can drink tea, play with cats, and even adopt one if it's a good fit!
On International Cat Day, some people donate to rescue groups or leave food for strays.
No matter how they celebrate, India's cat lovers have found countless ways to show their love.
Related: Fur-Free Sofa: How to Pick the Best Couch Covers for Cats
How to join the global celebration (from anywhere)
You don't need to travel the world to celebrate International Cat Day like other cat lovers!
Here are loads of ways to join this global party right from home:
Have a cat day party
Make 8th August a brilliant time for your feline companion!
You could have a photo contest.
Put funny hats like cowboy hats or a striped hat on your cat.
Make some special treats.
Or just spend extra time playing with a new toy.
Even if it's your cat's first time celebrating, they'll love all the attention!
Share pictures online
Social media is perfect for sharing International Cat Day joy!
Put up photos of your furry companion.
Use #CatDay2025 and #HappyInternationalCatDay.
It's a perfect time to show off your cat's sweet and loving side.
Maybe your cat will become the next internet star!
Help cats around the world
Give money to your local shelter.
Or give to groups that help cats in other countries too.
Shelters always need money to support and look after pets that are still waiting for their purr-ever homes.
Your help can make a big difference in the lives of cats everywhere.
Some shelters even let you "sponsor" cats in other locations!
Try cat traditions from other places
Bring some international fun to your celebration!
Try Japanese-style minimalist cat climbing shelves.
Set up feeding spots like they do in Turkey.
Make a cosy Egyptian-themed corner for your cat.
It's a fun way to honour how different people around the world love cats, which are some of the most popular pets everywhere.
Related: Why Do Cats Knead and Purr: The Simple Reasons
One world, many cats, so many ways to love them
From busy streets in Istanbul to quiet islands in Japan, cats have stolen hearts everywhere.
They've lounged on Roman ruins, curled up in American homes, and even starred in viral videos.
International Cat Day reminds us that no matter where we live, one thing connects us: we all love cats.
Maybe your cat rules the sofa like royalty.
Or maybe you care for street cats in your neighbourhood.
Either way, you're part of a global family that knows life is better with whiskers, purrs, and headbutts.
The best part?
Cats don't care where you're from or what language you speak.
They just want love, food, and a cosy place for a nap.
And in return, they give us laughter, comfort, and so much joy.
This International Cat Day, give your feline friend a little extra love.
And take a moment to celebrate cats everywhere—from ancient temples to today's comfy homes.
Because let's be honest: every day is better with a cat by your side.
From your MrFluffyFriend family, Happy International Cat Day!
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