National Kitten Day

July 10 is National Kitten Day. Kittens have long captured the hearts of millions. They’ve been beloved pets for thousands of years, but on this day, it’s also important to remember that many kittens are abandoned on the streets or in shelters. The holiday raises awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering cats, which helps protect their health and reduce the number of stray animals.

History

National Kitten Day was founded by pet and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige. The holiday encourages people to adopt kittens from shelters and celebrates the joy kittens bring to our lives. While cats have lived alongside humans for over 12,000 years, they were domesticated about 8,000 years ago. Despite their popularity online, with countless adorable kitten videos, many kittens are still abandoned — often because an unneutered pet cat gives birth unexpectedly. Responsible cat owners can help prevent this by spaying or neutering their pets.

Interesting Facts

• Between 9000 and 4000 BC, African wildcats began entering human homes in ancient Egypt in search of food.
• By 1000 BC, domestic cats were secretly sold and spread across the world.
• During World War I (1914–1918), cats served important roles in military camps, helping control rodents.
• The Cats Protection organization was founded in 1927 to educate the public about proper cat care.

How to Take Part

The best way to celebrate National Kitten Day is to adopt a kitten from a shelter—but only if you’re ready for the commitment. Kittens bring joy, but they also require care and attention. If adoption isn’t an option, you can still help by volunteering at a local animal shelter or donating supplies. Contact with people helps prepare kittens for future homes.

When is National Kitten Day in 2025?

National Kitten Day is observed on July 10 each year.

Observations