Here are some important ways to honor and celebrate cats this month.
- October is Black Cat Awareness Month and…
2. National Black Cat Day is October 17th in Britain and October 27th in the USA
Let’s show our love for black cats this month. October is dedicated to appreciating black cats and keeping them safe.
Superstitions related to black cats began during the Medieval Period, alleging that black cats were associated with Satan (Sheldon, 2018). The superstition that people will have bad luck if a black cat crosses their path is also said to have begun during the Medieval Period. Sadly, some people still hold these fears and beliefs today. A research study even showed that people are slower to adopt black cats than cats of other colors (Leper et al., 2002). Spread the word. Black cats are pet angels!
Help celebrate National Black Cat Day on October 27th (or if you’re in the UK, the 17th). And don’t forget to keep your babies safe on Halloween. Here’s some tips for those in countries that celebrate the holiday: FelineBehaviorSolutions Halloween Tips
3. October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month
The PALS Foundation created National Animal Safety and Protection Month to remind us to take steps to care for our pets and domesticated animals. Would you like some tips and tools so you can be more prepared in the event of an emergency or illness? Go to National Day.
4. October is National Pet Wellness Month
National Pet Wellness Month was started in 2004 to educate and motivate pet caregivers to look out for their pet’s physical and mental well-being. Has it been a while since your cat’s last wellness check-up? Maybe it’s time to call the veterinary clinic and keep your baby healthy. Find more ways to celebrate at FirstVet.com.
5. The first full week of October is Animal Welfare Week
The American Veterinary Medicine Association (AMVA) has designated the first full week of October as Animal Welfare Week. Learn more about the AVMA at avma.org.
6. October is World Animal Month
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7. October 4 is World Animal Day
World Animal Month and World Animal Day have been around since 1931. The holiday is a day to promote mercy for animals, based on the belief of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals. As its mission, the pet holiday encompasses all areas of animal welfare, with approximately 100 countries holding events helping animals, including cats. Learn more at Cattipper.com
8. October 12 is National Pet Obesity Awareness Day
When was the last time you saw your pet’s waistline? For this year’s National Pet Obesity Awareness Day, find pet weight suggestions at PetObesity.com
9. October 16 is Global Cat Day
Cats around the world can face cruelty and threats to their lives. Therefore, Alley Cat Allies created Global Cat Day as a day for cat lovers around the world to help promote changes that protect cats and kittens. Their ultimate goal is to have cruel practices against cats banned worldwide.
On Global Cat Day, let’s all become advocates and help defend cats against cruelty. Read about more ways you can help at globalcatday.org/about/. Learn more about how to prevent animal cruelty and abuse in the USA at Prevent Animal Abuse
10. The Third week of October is National Veterinary Technician Week.
We love our Veterinary Technicians!
Vet Techs can manage many of the day-to-day tasks in veterinary clinics, helping to keep our babies happy and healthy. Make sure you say “thanks” to your favorite Vet Tech during National Veterinary Technician Week, the third week of October (AVMA.org).
References:
- AVMA.org. National Veterinary Technician Week. Downloaded September 2023 from https://www.avma.org/national-veterinary-technician-week#Learn%20More
- Cattipper.com. October 4 is World Animal Day. Downloaded September 2023 from https://www.cattipper.com/news/2017/october-4-is-worldanimalday.html.
- Feline Behavior Solutions. Cat Safety on Halloween: It’s not that Scary. Downloaded September 2023 from https://felinebehaviorsolutions.com/cat-safety-on-halloween/
- FirstVet.com. 5 Ways to Celebrate Your Pet During Pet Wellness Month. Downloaded September 2023 from https://firstvet.com/us/articles/5-ways-to-celebrate-your-pet-during-pet-wellness-month
- Globalcatday.com. The Global Cat Day mission. Downloaded September 2023 from https://globalcatday.org/about/
- Leper, M. et al. (2002). Prediction of Adoption vs. Euthanasia among Dogs and Cats in a California Animal Shelter. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 5, 29-41. Downloaded September 2023 from https://web.archive.org/web/20100401052756/http:/www.animalsandsociety.org/assets/library/78_jaawsleeper.pdf
- Petobesityprevention.com. Healthy Pet Weight Ranges. Downloaded September 2023 from https://www.petobesityprevention.org/ideal-weight-ranges
- Sheldon, N. (2018). “Thou Shalt not suffer a Cat to Live”: Why Pope Gregory IX’s Vox in Rama Implicated Cats in Devil Worship. Downloaded September 2023 from https://historycollection.com/thou-shalt-not-suffer-a-cat-to-live-why-pope-gregory-ixs-vox-in-rama-implicated-cats-in-devil-worship/
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