Why Is International Cat Day on August 8th? Origins and How It Differs from Japan's "Cat Day" on February 22nd Explained

February 22nd is "Cat Day" every year. It is an event that even those who do not live with cats can enjoy, as various companies post celebrations on social media and cat-themed goods and sweets are released.

In fact, "Cat Day" is not just in Japan; it exists around the world as well. That is "International Cat Day" on August 8th. Even though they are both called "Cat Day," the organizations that established them and their origins are completely different from those of Japan's Cat Day.

In this article, we will explain in detail why International Cat Day is on August 8th, its origins and meaning, and how it differs from Japan's Cat Day. We hope you will take this opportunity to learn about these two important anniversaries for cat lovers.

When is Japan's Cat Day?

Cat Day embodies the sentiment of "A memorial day to be grateful for the happiness of living with cats and to cherish this joy together with them."

You can truly feel the deep love for cats in the phrase "cherishing the joy."

Cat Day was established in 1987 by the "Cat Day Executive Committee," composed of cat-loving cultural figures, and the Japan Pet Food Association.

Origin of Cat Day

Japan's Cat Day is every year on February 22nd.

The date was chosen based on the pun "nyan-nyan-nyan" (meow-meow-meow). It’s very easy to remember!

What kind of day is Cat Day?

Today, events related to cats are held all over Japan, and educational activities regarding rescue cats are also conducted.

On social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), many images and videos of cats are posted with the hashtag "#CatDay." For cat lovers, it is an irresistible day, with the excitement surrounding it feeling almost like a cat festival.

When is International Cat Day?

The most famous cat anniversary in the world is "International Cat Day" on August 8th. In English, it is called "International Cat Day" or "World Cat Day."

Origin of International Cat Day

International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), an animal welfare organization based in Canada. Established in 1969, IFAW conducts activities to protect pets, wild animals, and animals affected by disasters in over 40 countries worldwide.

International Cat Day embodies the goal of deepening the friendship between humans and cats while pledging to provide safe lives for cats in need. In addition to awareness campaigns to spread the word about the issue of cat culling globally, international cat events are held in various locations.

Why is International Cat Day on August 8th?

IFAW has not officially announced a specific reason for choosing August 8th. It does not appear to be based on an easy-to-understand wordplay like Japan's Cat Day.

August 8th is not only easy to remember because of the repeating numbers, but it is also a time when many countries are in their summer vacation season. It is possible that it was chosen because it is an easy time to host awareness-raising events.

Perhaps part of the fun of International Cat Day is that it's easy to start a conversation with "Why is August 8th International Cat Day?"

Differences between International Cat Day and Japan's Cat Day

Even though they are both called "Cat Day," there are several differences between International Cat Day and Japan's Cat Day.

	Japan's Cat Day	International Cat Day
Date	February 22nd	August 8th
Year Established	1987	2002
Establishing Organization	Cat Day Executive Committee Japan Pet Food Association	IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Origin	"Nyan-nyan-nyan" pun	No official announcement
Purpose	Gratitude for the happiness of living with cats	Awareness for cat protection and welfare

While Japan's Cat Day is an anniversary aimed at domestic audiences focused on "gratitude for the happiness of living with cats," International Cat Day has a strong character as an international awareness day aimed at "improving cat welfare."

Both share the commonality of being anniversaries born from deep love for cats.

"Cat Days" around the world

"Cat Day" is not limited to Japan's Cat Day or International Cat Day. In fact, each country has its own unique Cat Day.

February 17th: Italy's Cat Day
March 1st: Russia's Cat Day
April 4th: Taiwan's Cat Day
October 29th: National Cat Day (USA)

With events like "Cat Festivals" and "Black Cat Appreciation Day," it’s clear that there are people who love cats all over the world.

Things to do on Cat Day

Cats bring us happiness and comfort just by being there.

Many owners think about doing things their cats will enjoy on Cat Day.

For example, a gift. A slightly better snack than usual, a new toy, or a scratcher would likely be appreciated. Other useful gifts for a cat's life, such as ergonomic feeding bowls or a cat collar, are also recommended.

Of course, lounging around with your cat is also the best.

Petting your cat in their favorite spots or playing a lot with their favorite toy is great. Brushing them more carefully than usual is also a wonderful idea.

Cat Health Checkup Day

According to the Japan Anniversary Association, February 22nd is certified as "Cat Health Checkup Day."

Established by the veterinary group Team HOPE, which promotes pet health checkups, it is a day to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of feline diseases and regular health checkups.

Because cats are creatures that hide illnesses, it is not uncommon for it to be too late by the time an abnormality is noticed. To help your cat live a healthy, long life, early detection and treatment are crucial.

Taking your cat to the animal hospital might be a bit of a struggle... but giving them a health checkup as a gift on annual Cat Day is a lovely idea.

Things you can do even if you don't own a cat

"Cat Day" is also an opportunity to learn about rescue cats.

Even if you don't own a cat, you can support cats in need by "visiting a cat cafe," "donating to a rescue cat organization," or "buying cat goods at events."

To help reduce the number of cats suffering, please pay attention to events held on Cat Day.

Summary

Japan's Cat Day is annually on February 22nd due to the "nyan-nyan-nyan" pun, and International Cat Day is on August 8th.

Both Cat Days are days to love cats and embody the desire to rescue cats in need.

On Cat Day, many owners think about giving their cats special treats or presents—doing things that make their cats happier than usual.

Even if you don't own a cat, you can support rescue cats by visiting a rescue cat cafe or participating in cat events.

Whether you are spending time with your own cat or thinking about cats around the world, have a wonderful time on this day that celebrates such deep love for cats!