The international day of the cat is a date that was established in 2002 with the intention of recognizing the importance of felines. There are some controversies about the exact date of celebration, since at least three different dates have been set for its recognition worldwide.
Europe, the United States, and Japan often give cats specific days of celebration. Specifically, August 8 is the date chosen by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to celebrate International Cat Day.
Source: Peter Forster, via Wikimedia Commons.
In addition, there are many other celebrations in which cats are the main figure. From celebrating black cats, so frowned upon in some cultures as being considered unlucky, to days about stray cats or that aim to promote hugs to the felines in the house.
History
In 2002 he started an initiative to celebrate cats. Although it has not been a celebration officially recognized by the United Nations (UN), the entity in charge of establishing (through the General Assembly of the Organization) the celebrations at the international level.
The idea was born thanks to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, an organization created in 1969. The goal is to dedicate 24 hours of quality and recognition to cats around the world. Unlike International Dog Day, the feline celebration does not encourage people to adopt a pet.
The first time this date was celebrated was thanks to IFAW's collaboration with other organizations that fight for animal rights worldwide. This international day includes all kinds of cats, from domestic to stray.
This is a holiday that has grown in popularity over the years. Different ecological organizations have estimated that there are more than 600 million small cats that exist worldwide.
International Cat Day was born two years before Dog Day, which is celebrated every August 26.
Controversy
Since 2009 it is common for there to be some confusion about International Cat Day, since in the United States they began to celebrate it in February. This decision is due to the popularity of Socks, a feline who lived with the North American presidential family at that time, the Clintons.
The death of the so-called White House cat started a domino effect that led to cats around the world being celebrated every February.
Meanwhile, in Europe other initiatives have been created to honor felines. All due to Colleen Paige, an activist for animal rights. Paige has been in charge of establishing several days to celebrate different pets in the world and thus create a kind of calendar of celebrations.
The idea of the American to celebrate the cats began in 2005 and was very well received in different countries such as England, Italy, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, and even in the United States. She has had a great impact in favor of cats through her great alliance with many famous artists, television channels and various organizations.
When
Knowing the history and taking into account that until now there is no official date, it can be said that there are three days dedicated worldwide to celebrate cats.
February 20, August 8 and October 29 are the dates chosen in honor of the felines, although each one was for different reasons.
How
Social networks have been the favorite way to celebrate international cat day. Users take advantage of photos and memes to honor felines.
As initiatives, it is usually requested that in these celebrations food be provided in the animal centers. It is also normal to be encouraged to make donations to different specialized centers or to do some kind of volunteer work.
In which countries is it celebrated
International cat day is a date that has been gaining more and more popularity over time. Many countries honor these animals. In some places there are even local days to honor cats.
For example, in Japan cats are usually celebrated in February. Russia has its own national cat day in March. The United States honors these animals in February, following the Clintons' cat, although they also celebrate it in August.
In Cuba, the Cuban Association of Cat Fans (ACAG) is going to celebrate eight years celebrating cats in October. They even hold an exhibition where competitions are held and prizes are awarded.
As international cat day has not been declared as an official celebration recognized by the UN, it is the people's initiative to celebrate and recognize the felines on any of these dates.
Other important days
Felines not only have three days considered cat day internationally, they also have many other dates that have served to honor them.
Every May, for example, is celebrated the day of hugging your cat. It is usually celebrated on May 3, although there are those who celebrate it throughout the month.
The celebration of stray cats is also very popular, an initiative that emerged 18 years ago. It is a date adopted mainly in the United States, although there are already other Spanish-speaking countries that have joined the celebration.
In Italy, for example, the day of the black cat is very common, whose aim was to try to eradicate the assumptions about these felines, considered unlucky. Italians usually celebrate it in November, although in other parts of the world it also happens in August or even October.
In addition to those considered as international days or the celebrations mentioned above, there are many other days related to companion animals, including felines. There are National Siamese Cat Days, Adopt-a-Cat Days, Vet Day, or even a full month in honor of felines.
So far none is official, it all depends on the country and the organizations related to cats that decide to honor these animals.
References
- "Cat-Related Official Days". Carocat, 2019, Recovered from: carocat.eu
- "International Cat Day". Days Of The Year, 2019, Recovered from: daysoftheyear.com
- "International Cat Day". Holidays Calendar, 2019, Recovered from: holidayscalendar.com
- "International Cat Day 2019". Awareness Days, 2019, Recovered from: awarenessdays.com
- Jennings, Christine. «International Cat Day 2019 - Here's How To Celebrate». The Sun, 2019, Recovered from: thesun.co.uk