by Mewla Young 25 feb2026
What Cat Holidays are in March?
March cat holidays include International Rescue Cat Day (March 2), Tripawd Awareness Day (March 3), Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day (March 17), Cuddly Kitten Day (March 23), and Pet Poison Prevention Awareness events throughout the month.
March is full of meaningful cat holidays and pet awareness events that celebrate our feline companions while promoting adoption, safety, compassion, and cat fun. Whether you’re a devoted cat parent, a rescue advocate, or simply love learning about cat-themed holidays, March offers plenty of reasons to celebrate.
Below is a complete list of March cat holidays, along with descriptions and ideas on how to observe each one.
March 2: International Rescue Cat Day
International Rescue Cat Day, celebrated annually on March 2, encourages people to adopt rescue cats and support animal shelters.[1] Millions of cats are waiting in shelters for loving homes, and this day highlights the life-changing impact of adoption.
Unfortunately, many commercial breeders and backyard breeders continue to operate kitten mills, where cats are bred in cruel, inhumane conditions. These facilities prioritize profit over animal welfare, forcing female cats to produce litter after litter. Adopt a rescue cat and you will provide a home to an animal who is truly in need. (Read more at Buying A Cat).
How to celebrate:
- Visit a local animal shelter
- Consider adopting a rescue cat
- Share adoption stories to encourage others
If you’re able to adopt a rescue cat, be sure to read Bringing Your New Cat Home: Eight Tips from Ginger
March 3: What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day
This fun holiday invites pet lovers to ponder one big question: What if cats had opposable thumbs? Would your cat open cabinets, send text messages, or master the can opener? It’s a great day to consider the possibilities!
✨ How to celebrate:
- Share funny pet photos or memes
- Write a short story imagining what life would be like with thumbed cats
March 3: International Tripawd Awareness Day
Also observed on March 3, International Tripawd Awareness Day—also known as “Triday”—raises awareness for three-legged pets and the people who love them.[3]
Founded in 2022, this day educates pet parents about limb amputation, which can often be the best option for pets affected by cancer, birth defects, or severe injuries. Many tripawd cats recover from surgery quickly and just about all live happy, active, and fulfilling lives.
✨ How to celebrate:
- Do you have a Tripawd pet? Please share your baby on our Community Cat Friends page.
- Submit your tripod cat’s photo to @Tripawds on Facebook and/or @TripawdsCommunity on Instagram.
- Read stories about tripawd tripod Clarence’s (pictured above) by writer Mollie Hunt at Clarence the Three-Legged Cat and Clarence’s Second Adoptiversary
March 17: Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day — Patron Saint of Cats
Observed on March 17, alongside Saint Patrick’s Day, Saint Gertrude of Nivelles Day honors the Patron Saint of Cats. Born around 626 in present-day Belgium, Saint Gertrude is also the patron saint of travelers, gardeners, widows, and—ironically—rodents. (Yes, even mice can pray for protection!)[4]
✨ How to celebrate:
- Learn about cat history and folklore
- Learn more about Saint Gertrude at History of St. Gertrude
- Have a Saint Gertrude Day Party for your cat
March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
March 23 is Cuddly Kitten Day, a perfect excuse to shower kittens with extra love. While kittens benefit from gentle handling and socialization, cuddles also help strengthen the human–cat bond.[5]
✨ How to celebrate:
- Spend quality time with your cat
- Share adorable kitten photos
- Watch a cuddling cat playlist at Cuddling Cat TV
National Animal Poison Prevention Month, Week, and Day (March 28)
All of March is recognized as National Pet Poison Prevention Month. National Animal Poison Prevention Week is the third week of March, with March 28 designated as Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Day. This observance reinforces the importance of prevention, education, and quick action in the event of accidental poisoning.[6]
Poison Prevention focuses on educating pet owners about common household toxins that can harm cats. Many everyday items—plants, foods, medications, and cleaning products—can be extremely dangerous to cats, so a little knowledge goes a long way.
How to celebrate:
- Learn about the signs of poisoning and develop at safety plan at Protect Your Cat From Poisoning
- Pet-proof your home
- Save your vet’s emergency contact info
Celebrate March With Your Cat
March is packed with meaningful cat holidays, blending fun, education, and advocacy. From adoption awareness to safety education and cuddly celebrations, it’s a fantastic month to honor the cats who make our lives better.
💚 Which March cat holiday is your favorite? Share it with fellow cat lovers and help spread awareness all month long!
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REFERENCES:
(Giordano, R.) International Cat Rescue Day 2026: How & When Is It Celebrated https://www.catster.com/guides/international-cat-rescue-day/.
- Wellcat Holidays. https://wellcat.com/pages/holidays#:~:text=Mar%203%3A,can%20open%20up%20the%20fridge!
- Triday. https://triday.pet/
- The History of St. Gertrude Day. https://drelseys.com/history-of-st-gertrude-the-patron-saint-of-cats/
- https://blog.petwellbeing.com/blogs/news/how-will-you-celebrate-national-puppy-cuddly-kitten-day
- https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/national-poison-prevention-week-march-20-26/