If you or someone you know has a feline friend, then you should really know that on August 8th it’s International Cat Day! This special day is a chance to really appreciate the special bond between humans and cats, as well as raising awareness about cat welfare. So, in this blog post we thought we’d take a quick look at the history behind International Cat Day, and explore the many ways in which we can commemorate this purr-fectly delightful occasion!
The Origin Story…
International Cat Day was launched as a scheme by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and various other animal rights groups. The purpose was to raise awareness about the welfare and protection of cats around the world. Since its inception, International Cat Day has grown in popularity, with cat lovers worldwide embracing the opportunity to celebrate their furry feline friends!
If you’re interested in the Ancient Origins of domestic cats (scientifically known as Felis catus), they likely originated from the African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica). It’s believed these wildcats were attracted to human settlements due to the presence of rodents, which were abundant around stored grain.
It was around 9,000 years ago in the Near East that a more harmonious relationship between cats and humans began to form. As humans transitioned from a nomadic to an agricultural lifestyle, cats became invaluable in controlling rodent populations that threatened stored grains. Over time, humans began to selectively breed cats for various traits, which led to the rise of different breeds.
Cats held significant cultural importance in ancient civilisations such as Ancient Egypt, where they were celebrated as sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet. Cats were also depicted in art and mythology in various other ancient cultures, including those of Mesopotamia and China.
Cats would often accompany humans on journeys and explorations, spreading to different parts of the world through trade and exploration. They also played crucial roles in controlling vermin aboard ships during maritime voyages.
It hasn’t always been too purr-fect for cats though. During the Middle Ages in Europe, cats faced periods of persecution due to their association with witchcraft and superstitions. However, they remained valued for their pest control abilities, especially in cities.
It’s evident that throughout history the domestic cat has adapted to all manner of environments and lifestyles alongside humans, and they’ve certainly earned their place as a beloved companion in households worldwide.
So, What Are the Purposes of International Cat Day?
It’s more than just being a day to celebrate and enjoy our cats, International Cat Day also helps promote several important purposes: it raises awareness about the challenges of overpopulation, homelessness, and mistreatment of cats; the day also provides a platform to educate people about responsible cat ownership, proper care, and the significance of spaying and neutering to improve overall health, deter roaming, and prevent overpopulation. Finally, it’s just a lovely way to celebrate the bond between cats and humans.
Ways to Celebrate
Something that goes without saying for any cat owner; spend some quality time with your moggy! Just by setting aside some playtime with your cat, either playing with their toys, or cuddling up together near a window to do some bird watching, your cat will feel the love and, hopefully, appreciate all that fuss and attention.
Whether you’re a cat owner or not, consider donating or volunteering your time at a local animal shelter or rescue organisation. Many shelters rely on the support of volunteers and donations to care for cats and find them loving homes. You can also spread the word about the benefits of adopting cats from shelters or rescue groups, and share adoption success stories on social media, and this might just encourage others to consider adopting a cat in need.
Speaking of social media, as well as sharing success stories, perhaps share some photos and videos of your own cat using the hashtag #InternationalCatDay to join the global celebration and connect with fellow cat enthusiasts around the world!
F(el)ine Dining
You may have noticed a steady rise in the popularity of cat cafes, but if you haven’t…
Now, to take it back to where the trend began, you’d have to go to Taiwan in the late 1990s; by the early 2000s they’d gained popularity in Japan, and from there they’ve been popping up in other parts of Asia and across Europe and North America ever since.
Cat cafes are a unique dining experience, offering a way for people to interact with animals particularly within an urban environment, where pet ownership perhaps is impractical due to space constraints, job commitments, or any other factors. They’re a great way to socialise with like-minded individuals (fellow cat enthusiasts), or to just chill with some cute cats?
Notably, most cat cafes partner with local animal shelters or rescue organisations to feature adoptable cats, helping the cats find a furrever home, whilst also raising awareness of animal welfare issues and responsible pet ownership.
Cat cafes have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, with cities like London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and our very own Brum seeing the opening of various cat cafes, each with its own unique ambiance and resident cats!
So, maybe consider booking a table at the nearest cat café and enjoy the companionship and therapeutic benefits of dining with some cute cats!
Perhaps you’d like a more personal and permanent way to declare your love and appreciation towards your feline friend, and what better way than with a tattoo?
At KTREW Tattoo we’re celebrating International Cat Day by sharing 10 of our top cat tattoos which have been created right here at the studio…
Tattoo tributes of a beloved pet are a lovely way to celebrate International Cat Day, like this one done for Beth of her cat, Smudge. Adorable!
2. NA-NA, na-na, NA-NA, na-na, CATMAN! Bruce, a most fearsome feline, will have your back and disarm any foe with their cat cuteness.
3. Less on-the-nose, but no less awesome, this tattoo celebrates the Midlands’ very own self-defined “Punk and Rock and Metal and Stuff” band, The Wild Strays. You can listen to their latest album on Spotify or Apple Music now!
4. Pretty as a picture! It’s always fun to let your creativity flow, and it can often lead to results like this tattoo, combining flora and fauna; beautiful!
5. We don’t only celebrate domestic cats on International Cat Day, oh no, we like to appreciate the big fur babies too, like this single-line tattoo of a lioness, which was actually done to commemorate a client’s trip to Kenya!
6. Now isn’t this just precious? A poignant tribute to a customer’s cat, Dusty, and all done using the hand-poked method.
7. This tattoo feels like we’re seeing this little cat’s dreams; do we think cats dream of the galaxy and flowers, or just cat kibble? Either way, adorable! Additional note – this particular client provided a sketch, measurements, along with references with their enquiry, which is always encouraged as it helps the artist get a better idea of what you’re looking for – something to consider if you’re inspired by any of these tattoos :)
8. This tattoo is proof you can combine minimalism with fun! The ignorant art style is steadily growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why with a tattoo as cool as this cat.
9. Leaping back to the wild cats with this leopard tattoo. The positioning for this tattoo couldn’t be more perfect, showing off this big cat to the fullest!
10. Ending the list strong with this grrreat hand-poked tiger tattoo! Maximum detail, minimum lines… wizardry.
For more Cat tats, check out the gallery below:
Please remember, before getting a pet tattoo it's important to carefully consider the design, placement, and size – these are all factors your tattoo artist can help you with to ensure that the tattoo accurately reflects the emotions and cherished memories of your pet.
It’s always good to know what style you’d like the tattoo to be in – fine-line, abstract, realistic – because by knowing this it will help you to find the right tattoo artist for the job.
To see more work by the KTREW Tattoo artists, you can check out their socials here: @kirstietrew
International Cat Day is a great occasion to celebrate the joy, companionship, and love that cats bring into our lives. Whether you're a cat owner, volunteer, advocate, or simply a cat lover, there are so many ways to participate in this purr-fectly delightful celebration. So, on August 8th, let's honour our feline friends and make a positive difference in the lives of cats everywhere!
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