December 1-31

National Cat Lovers’ Month

Month-long cultural observance held December 1 to 31 celebrating the bond between cats and their owners and encouraging shelter cat adoption and responsible pet ownership.

Yearly Date

All of December

Observed in

United States

Introduction

It's time to show your furry feline friends some extra love in December with National Cat Lovers’ Month! This special month has been celebrated since the mid-1990s to recognize both cats and cat lovers all over the world. Cats have been part of human history for thousands of years, providing comfort, companionship, and entertainment. So why not take a moment on Dec. 1 to give your cat a special treat or some extra cuddles? Let's make this month one to remember for cats everywhere!

National Cat Lovers’ Month Timeline

9500 B.C.

First Domesticated Cats

Archaeological evidence shows that the first domesticated cats lived with humans in Cyprus around 9500 B.C.

2000 B.C.

Egyptian Cat Worshipping

Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats and even considered them as sacred animals around 2000 B.C.

1871

First Cat Show

The world's first organized cat show took place at the Crystal Palace in London in 1871.

1895

First US Cat Show

The United States hosted its first official cat show at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 1895.

1954

Start of Feline Health Studies

Cornell University established the first veterinary college specializing in feline health studies in 1954.

2005

Establishing Global Cat Day

Alley Cat Allies, a leading global advocacy organization, celebrated its 15th anniversary by declaring October 16 as Global Cat Day in 2005.

How to Celebrate National Cat Lovers’ Month

1 Organize a cat meet-up

Bring together your fellow cat lovers at your local park or cafe to celebrate National Cat Lovers' Month. You can bring treats, toys, and stories to share with one another.

2 Volunteer at your local shelter

Find a local animal shelter in your area and volunteer your time to help cats find their forever homes. This is an especially great way to give back and celebrate cats during this special month.

3 Make cat treats

Show your cats some extra love this month by whipping up a batch of homemade cat treats. There are plenty of recipes online that are easy and healthy for your kitty.

4 Visit a cat cafe

Head to your nearest cat cafe or pet store to spend some quality time with some furry friends. Enjoy some snacks while you watch cats play and lounge around.

5 Read a book about cats

Take some time this month to read a book about cats. Whether it's a children's book about a cute cat who goes on an adventure or a memoir written by a cat, there are plenty of books to choose from.

Why We Love National Cat Lovers’ Month

Cats are affectionate

Cats may not show their love in the same ways that dogs do, but they can still be incredibly sweet and affectionate. Whether it's cuddling up next to you while you're reading a book or perched atop your lap while you're watching TV, cats provide unparalleled comfort and joy in daily life.

Cats make great companions

There's nothing quite like having a furry feline friend to keep you company - cats are fiercely loyal and will always be there for you through thick and thin. Plus, cats require minimal time and effort to care for, so if you lead a busy lifestyle, they'll fit nicely into your routine!

Cats provide comfort

Just like humans, cats can offer emotional comfort in stressful situations. That purr is especially soothing when things seem overwhelming - so even though they might not say much, cats can still offer an incredible amount of solace and understanding when other people aren't around.

Holiday Dates

Year	Dates	Days
2023	Dec 1 to 31	Friday to Sunday
2024	Dec 1 to 31	Sunday to Tuesday
2025	Dec 1 to 31	Monday to Wednesday
2026	Dec 1 to 31	Tuesday to Thursday
2027	Dec 1 to 31	Wednesday to Friday