Hope you and your furball(s) enjoy these cat celebrations happening during the month of April.
1. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month. The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) created this holiday so that people would take time in April to learn how to help prevent animal abuse and neglect. Read about steps to take if you learn of abuse at How to Stop Animal Abuse.
2. National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. The American Red Cross designated April as a time to understand what types of first aid your pets might need in a disaster. Their app, at redcross.org/apps, offers pet safety information in the event of disasters, evacuations, or other situations when veterinary assistance is needed. Read more at the National Red Cross.
3. Second Full Week of April: Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week. This week of appreciation is designed to give recognition to the hard-working men and women of Animal Care and Control who risk their lives to protect animals in our communities. Don’t forget to tell the Animal Care Control Officers in your area “Thank You”. Find out more about many, important ways Animal Control Officers help animals from our April Cat Person of the Month, Jerrica Owen HERE.
4. April 17-23: National Pet ID Week. The third week in April is devoted to reminding pet owners to tag and chip their pets.
5. April 17-23: Animal Cruelty/Human Violence Awareness Week. An effort by the Humane Society of the United States. Third week in April. Read more about steps you can take at Prevent Animal Abuse.
6. April 19: National Cat Lady Day. Let your freak flag fly! (https://spca.bc.ca/news/national-cat-lady-day/)
7. April 29: Hairball Awareness Day. Cats don’t use a washcloth. Instead, they drag their tongues over every inch of their fur to clean themselves. Especially during Spring when cats are shedding more than usual, the hair can build up into a clump in their stomachs. Because of this, it’s normal for your cat to cough up a hairball every week or so. However, if a hairball gets too big, the clump can pose a serious health emergency if stuck in the esophagus or the intestine. If your cat is lethargic, refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or is retching, take him to the vet clinic! Learn more at https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/danger-hairballs.
8. April 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day. National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was created to raise awareness for the millions of animals waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the country. A new best friend is waiting for you now. Visit your local shelter! Learn more at:https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/national-adopt-a-shelter-pet-day/.
9. April 30: World Veterinary Day. Every year on the last Saturday in April, World Veterinary Day celebrates the veterinary profession. Why not call your vet today and thank her for the hard work she does saving animals’ lives? See more at https://www.avma.org/news/world-veterinary-day-2022-focuses-strengthening-veterinary-resilience.
10. April 30: National Tabby Day. Tabbies make up about 65% of all cats in the world. National Tabby Day (sometimes referred to as National Tabby Cat Day) is recognized every year on April 30 in honor of Uli and the 500 million other tabbies in the world (https://alexaanswers.amazon.com/question/2I1n7sNEGcJpjfhlSwn4il/ref=cbqa_pqd_sim_q).
11. April 30: National Therapy Animal Day. Therapy animals help many types of patients including veterans with PTSD, people who have experienced crisis events, people with intellectual disabilities, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, and those approaching end of life.
National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners https://petpartners.org/ to: 1) Recognize and honor therapy animals who partner with their human companions (handlers) to bring comfort and healing to those in need; 2) Raise awareness and educate the public about the role therapy animals play in enhancing the health and well-being of humans; and 3) Honor the thousands of dedicated handlers who volunteer their time and compassion during visits in a variety of settings including hospitals, pediatric care units, schools, and assisted living facilities (https://petpartners.org/about/).
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