adorable black cat on black cat awareness month in october

What Cat Holidays are in October?

by Mewla Young

Here are some important ways to honor and celebrate cats this month.

October is an important month for cats and animal advocates. From celebrating black cats and promoting pet wellness to raising awareness about animal safety and welfare, these October cat holidays offer ways to help improve cats’ lives. Below are ten cat- and animal-related observances, along with ways you can take action.

This October, celebrate World Animal Month, Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, Black Cat Awareness Month and National Black Cat Days (October 17 in Britain; October 27  in the USA), Feral and Global Cat Day (both October 16), National Cat Day (October 29, USA) and more!

October Is World Animal Month

World Animal Month and World Animal Day have been around since 1931. The holidays are a time to promote compassion for animals, based on the teachings of Saint Francis, the patron saint of animals. Both holidays encompass many areas of animal welfare.

 

Throughout October, organizations in more than 100 countries host events and campaigns to support animals—including cats. Learn more at Cattipper.com.

October 4: World Animal Day

World Animal Day, celebrated on October 4, shares the same roots as World Animal Month. Inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, this day encourages kindness and advocacy for all animals.

Black cats are celebrated in October.

October Is Black Cat Awareness Month

October is dedicated to celebrating and protecting black cats. Sadly, black cats are still affected by long-standing myths and superstitions that began during the medieval period, when they were falsely associated with evil or bad luck (Sheldon, 2018). 

 

Research has shown that black cats may take longer to be adopted than cats of other colors, despite being playful, loving, and loyal companions (Leeper et al., 2002). 

 

Spreading awareness helps combat these harmful beliefs and keeps black cats safer—especially during Halloween season.

 

Help Support and Protect Black Cats

    • Share positive stories and photos of black cats
    • Educate others about black cat myths
    • Adopt or foster a black cat if you’re able
    • Take extra safety precautions around Halloween

National Black Cat Day: October 17 (UK) and October 27 (USA)

National Black Cat Day is celebrated on October 17 (in the UK) and October 27 (in the United States). The day encourages people to appreciate black cats and advocate for their safety.

 

And don’t forget to keep your babies safe on Halloween. Keeping cats indoors, supervising outdoor time, and avoiding costumes or decorations that could pose hazards are simple ways to protect them.

 

For readers in countries that celebrate Halloween:

cute tuxedo cat with pensive look on face
Take precautions to keep outdoor cats safe.

October Is National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month reminds pet caregivers to plan ahead for emergencies and natural disasters.

 

Ways to Improve Animal Safety

  • Have a plan for evacuations or medical emergencies
  • Create a pet emergency kit
  • Keep ID tags and microchips up to date

Preparing ahead of time can save your cat’s life!

October Is National Pet Wellness Month

Founded in 2004, National Pet Wellness Month focuses on the physical and mental well-being of pets. Routine wellness exams help detect health issues early and keep cats thriving.

 

Has it been a while since your cat’s last wellness check-up? Maybe it’s time to call the veterinary clinic to check if your furbaby healthy. Find more ways to observe the holiday at FirstVet.com.

Second Wednesday of October: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

uli smile with kwazi
Uli and Kwazi are at a healthy weight.

When was the last time you saw your pet’s waistline? National Pet Obesity Awareness Day highlights the growing problem of pet obesity.

 

Cats who weigh too much are at risk for diabetes, joint disease, heart issues, and shortened lifespans (PetObesity.com). Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular play is one of the best ways to support your cat’s long-term health.

 

Find other pet weight suggestions at PetObesity.com.

October 16: Feral Cat Day and Global Cat Day

National Feral Cat Day, a sub-celebration of Global Cat Day, is a day of advocacy for stray and community cats. Alley Cat Allies created the holiday to raise awareness about community cats, advocate for their humane treatment, and promote effective ways to care for them, which includes humanely trapping, sterilizing, vaccinating, and returning outdoor cats to their colonies.

 

How to participate in National Feral Cat Day:

  • Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): Educate your community about TNR to help stabilize outdoor cat populations.
  • Community Support: Donate food, shelter, and medical care to local feral cat colonies.
  • Advocacy: Become involved in local rescue groups.
  •  

Cats around the world can face cruelty and threats to their lives. Global Cat Day encourages cat lovers around the world to help end cruel practices that harm cats worldwide. Read about more ways you can help at globalcatday.org/about/. 

Third Week of October: National Veterinary Technician Week

We love our veterinary technicians! That’s why we celebrate National Veterinary Technician Week.

 

Vet techs manage many day-to-day tasks in veterinary clinics (AVMA.org), helping to keep our babies happy and healthy. A simple thank-you can go a long way.

Celebrate October With Cats in Mind

From advocacy and safety to wellness and appreciation, you can honor and help cats throughout October by celebrating these cat-related holidays and observances.

 

🧡 Which October cat holidays are your favorites? Share this article with fellow cat lovers. Spread awareness and celebrate your favorite holidays with friends.

😼😸🐈🐈‍⬛

 

See all cat awareness and holidays at Let’s Celebrate Cats!

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