1. International Cat Day

Date: August 8
Popular Regions: Global
International Cat Day was established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002 to raise awareness about cat welfare. On this day, cat lovers worldwide share pictures of their cats, organize adoption events, and advocate for cat protection. It’s a special day for cat owners to show extra affection to their feline companions.

2. National Black Cat Day

Date: October 27
Popular Regions: UK and USA
In Western cultures, black cats are often associated with bad luck or witchcraft, especially around Halloween. To counteract this superstition, animal welfare organizations in the UK and USA created National Black Cat Day to raise awareness about black cats and encourage their adoption. The day aims to dispel negative stereotypes and promote black cats as lovable pets, just like any other feline.

3. Japan’s Cat Day (Neko no Hi)

Date: February 22
Popular Regions: Japan
In Japan, February 22 is celebrated as Cat Day because the date "2-22" sounds like "nyan-nyan-nyan," the Japanese equivalent of "meow-meow-meow." Japanese people have a deep affection for cats, and on this day, many buy special cat toys and products or throw parties for their pets. Pet stores and cafes also hold special events to mark the occasion.

4. Italy’s National Cat Day (Festa del Gatto)

Date: February 17
Popular Regions: Italy
Italy's National Cat Day was established in 1990 after a proposal by cat lovers. February 17 was chosen because February is associated with superstition, and the number 17 is considered unlucky in Italian culture. However, cats in Italy are seen as creatures of wisdom who can ward off bad luck, making the day a celebration of their independence and mystique.

5. Russia’s Cat Day (День кошек в России)

Date: March 1
Popular Regions: Russia
Russia's Cat Day was created in 2004 by Moscow’s Cat Museum. Russians deeply cherish cats, especially during the cold winter months, viewing them as household protectors. On this day, cities across Russia hold cat-related exhibitions and competitions, encouraging people to adopt stray cats and focus on feline welfare.

6. Poland’s Cat Day (Dzień Kota)

Date: February 17
Popular Regions: Poland
Like Italy, Poland also celebrates Cat Day on February 17. Cat lovers in Poland donate cat food, help stray cats, and share happy moments with their pets on this day. Animal protection organizations also organize fundraising events to support cat health and welfare initiatives.

7. Belgium’s Cat Festival (Kattenstoet)

Date: Every three years on the second Sunday of May
Popular Regions: Ypres, Belgium
Belgium’s Kattenstoet, or Cat Festival, is a tradition rooted in the Middle Ages, originally involving the symbolic "throwing of cats" to ward off bad luck. Today, the festival is a joyful celebration of cats held every three years. It includes parades, cat-themed performances, and people dressed as cats, attracting cat lovers from around the world.

8. Turkey’s Cat Culture

Popular Regions: Istanbul, Turkey
While Turkey doesn’t have an official cat day, Istanbul is famous for its large population of stray cats, which are almost considered city residents. Cats are seen as spiritual symbols of the city, and local people take great care of them. The documentary "Kedi" (2016) captures the special relationship between Istanbul’s residents and their beloved street cats, highlighting the city’s unique cat culture.

9. The Sacred Status of Cats in Egypt

Historical Tradition: Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, cats were regarded as sacred animals, symbolizing fertility and household protection. The Egyptian cat goddess Bastet was the deity of home and love, and cats were seen as her earthly embodiment. The Egyptians worshipped cats, kept cat statues in their homes, and even imposed harsh penalties for harming them. Although modern Egypt doesn’t have a cat festival, the ancient reverence for cats remains an important root of cat culture.