Happy Global Cat Day! The day is a call on communities around the world to implement humane programs for cats. This year’s theme is “Cats Are Community.” According to the Global Cat Day website, the themes “is a rallying call of this global truth: Cats have lived alongside people for thousands of years, have a place in our communities, and are beings of inherent value who deserve to be protected.” Today, let’s celebrate cats!

Meet the Global Cat Day Cats

Mikey is an Atlantic City Boardwalk cat. Mikey lives with his fellow community cats at the world-famous Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey. The Boardwalk Cats there make their homes in secret spaces beneath the boardwalk. Mikey is a celebrity in the area, and while he appreciates his fans, he does keep boundaries with people. Mikey also reportedly has a girlfriend named Snickers.

Leo is from Instanbul, Turkey. Instanbul has a long love of cats that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, which held the domestic cat in high regard. The city has unique spaces for cats, including creative outdoor cat houses. Leo (pronounced “Leh-ou”), is an older and much-loved cat. He’s described as independent and feisty, and in his neighborhood, residents make space for him and respect his boundaries.

Nibus is from Shenandoah Valley, West Virginia. He’s a community cat who lives outdoors and spends his lazy days around his favorite barn. He’s 8-years-old and is named after the grey clouds that match his slate-colored fur. Nimbus is popular in the community and considered the ringleader among his best feline friends, Aladdin and King Arthur. He’s described as independent, outdoorsy, fearless, friendly, and feisty— a true West Virginian!

Why Global Cat Day?

Global Cat Day was launched in 2017 by Alley Cat Allies as a day when advocates around the globe to lead the charge to protect cats and kittens. What can you do to help? According to  Alley Cat Allies, there are several ways to help. Here are some of their ideas to take action on Global Cat Day.

• Do Trap-Neuter-Return for community cats

  Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)

  Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) saves lives Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the only humane and effective approach to community cats, or unowned cats who live outdoors. Scientific studies show that TNR effectively addresses the community cat population by ending the breeding cycle, meaning no new kittens are born to a community cat colony.

  Trap-Neuter-Return is the process of community cats being humanely trapped, brought to a vet clinic to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped, then returned to their outdoor homes. Trap-Neuter-Return is said to address community concerns, reduce shelter intake and killing, and reduces calls to animal services.

• Build outdoor cat shelters or feeding stations

  Community Cat Shelter Options Gallery

  Pre-Built | Assembly Required: Easy | Moderate | Advanced Providing an outdoor shelter for community cats is one of the best ways to improve your community for all of its members! Not only do shelters provide cats a safe place to rest, they enable community cat caregivers to monitor their colonies' wellbeing and easier predict cats' [...]

  One of the best ways to improve your community for cats is to provide them with a safe place to rest. It also allows community cat caregivers to monitor their wellbeing and know where to locate them. Visit the above link to learn more and find out how to make one.

• Advocate for cats

  Advocacy Toolkit

  Download: PDF How to Advocate for Humane Laws and Policies for Cats in Your Community The Alley Cat Allies Advocacy Toolkit will arm you with the basics in citizen lobbying and prepare you to advocate for humane laws and policies for cats. Advocating for Cats You can become the cats' most powerful advocate in your [...]

  Since cats don’t have a voice of their own, you can become a powerful advocate for them. Decisions are made by your elected officials, animal control officers, and animal shelter staff every day. Use your voice and support humane laws and policies.

• Fundraise to help provide food and veterinary care for cats

  

  Kitty care is expensive. You can help contribute to the care they need by making a donation. You can also get your family and friends together to fundraise for the care and supplies that they need.

• Donate cat food to an animal food bank or hold your own cat food and supply drive

  

  If you’re looking to make a donation, shelters are always looking for food and supplies. You can check out the MSPCA’s wish list HERE.

• Donate to Alley Cat Allies & other cat-friendly organizations

  Save & Protect Cats and Kittens!

  With your generous support, we can protect and save the lives of cats and kittens. Your generosity means we can be there for cats and kittens in need -- whether it's providing humane care in disaster situations, helping shelters save more cats, and advocating for cat-friendly policies. Make a life-saving gift today!

   

  Alley Cat Allies is the leading organization advocating for cats and kittens. Every dollar you give helps ACA to protect cats across the United States and around the world. They say their critical work depends on the generosity and compassion of our supporters like you.

• Volunteer to help cats and kittens

  

  Love cats but can’t have one yourself? Or maybe you have one, or two, and can’t take in any more? You can still help by volunteering at your local shelter.

• Foster or adopt a cat or kitten

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by MSPCA-Angell (@mspca.angell)

  The MSPCA is a great place to look to bring some kitty love into your home. Check out their Adoption Center HERE to find your next feline friend.

• Host a cat adoption event

  How to Organize a Local Pet Adoption Event | Petfinder

  Petfinder's mission has always been to find forever homes for every adoptable pet. Click here to learn how to organize a local pet adoption event.

  Team up with your local shelter and host a cat adoption event. Maybe your job would want to sponsor your efforts. Make a difference in the lives of kitties.

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