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Cat Holidays 2026: Awareness Months, Days & This Year's Dates
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Cat holidays are the best little reminders. No matter who starts them, or how people celebrate, it's the thought that counts.
From the serious (Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month) to the silly (National Dress Up Your Pet Day) we've got you covered!
If you like this, you'll love our fun, free Daily Digest!
Is There a National Maine Coon Day?
There isn't an official day just for Maine Coons recognized by authorities like Cat Fanciers. Surprising, right? It feels like there's a holiday for just about everything!
Featured Coonies from our 2023 Photo AlbumsIn the United States, National Cat Day falls on October 29, and that's the big one. Cat lovers and owners of all breeds, Maine Coons included, celebrate on this day with photos, stories, and plenty of pride.
You may see November 8 float around as National Maine Coon day.
It hasn't gained broad traction, but for some owners it's simply a fun reminder to post photos and connect with other Maine Coon fans. We'll keep an eye on it and see if it ever turns into something more.
How Do People Celebrate Pet Holidays?
These it's mostly on social media! Pet-centric holidays are all about awareness.
If one of these days or months resonates with you, it's a time to post on social media for all your friends and family to see. It's a time for people with common interests to come together and say "I do that too!"
It's also a time for the more serious or more actionable holidays to get the spotlight, and for events to run. For example, maybe your local shelter hosts free or reduced cost neuter/spay events during the corresponding times of the year. Or maybe they hold adoption events during those holidays.
You can help by sharing social posts about these events and getting the word out in your community.
Cat Holidays All Year Long
Here's a month-by-month look at cat-related awareness days and observances for 2026!
(PS- This handcrafted calendar is human-curated and personally edited for the upcoming year. If we missed anything, let us know!)
January:
January is not a big "medical awareness" month, so it's more about fun, engagement, and human-cat interaction.
Month-Long:
Walk Your Pet Month: Most dogs love to be walked, but did you know that many Maine Coon cats like to be on a harness and leash, too?
Days:
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 brings National Dress Up Your Pet Day. Silly, yes, but it's all in good fun!
If your cats don't mind getting dolled up, share some pictures on FaceBook! Personally, I would think this one would have been a little closer to Halloween!
Thursday, January 22, 2026: National Answer Your Cat's Question Day!
Yes, seriously. This one sounds funny, but cat people love it. It’s really about observation, communication, and paying attention.
Saturday, January 24, 2026: Change a Pet’s Life Day
This one is broader but meaningful. Often used by shelters and rescues for adoption awareness.
February:
February is all about care, prevention, and commitment. It's more "responsibility-forward" - a month where shelters, vets, and rescues actually do things.
Month-Long:
Cat Health Month: Promoted primarily by veterinary organizations and pet health groups, especially in the U.S.
National Prevent a Litter Month: Spay and neuter. 'Nuff said.
Responsible Pet Owners Month: A time to think about things like ID, vet care, enrichment, etc.
National Pet Dental Month: Actually, dental health is very important. This is an opportunity to for us to educate ourselves on this aspect of our pets health. This one important, widely recognized, and actually acted on by vets.
Days:
Saturday, February 14, 2026: Pet Theft Awareness Day. Unfortunately this does happen. It's too bad we have to worry about pet theft.
Friday, February 20, 2026: Love Your Pet Day: Easy, and fun!
Tuesday February 24, 2026: Spay Day USA/World Spay Day: Everyone, get on the bandwagon and spay your girl for her health and happiness!
March:
Week-Long:
March 1-7, 2026: Professional Pet Sitters Week: This falls on the first week of March, and it's great opportunity to show appreciation to those who love our pets when we're away. Includes Thank Your Pet Sitter Day on March 4th!
March 15-21, 2026: National Poison Prevention Week: There are definitely things that our pets should never have access to. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Poison Prevention Week lands on the third week of March.
Days:
Monday, March 2, 2026: International Rescue Cat Day: A day centered around rescue and second chances.
People use it to highlight adoption, support shelters and rescue groups, and share stories of cats who found their way into loving homes.
Some volunteer or donate, others just take a moment to celebrate the rescued cats they’ve already brought home. One way people do that here on MCCN is by sharing their rescue stories!
Tuesday, March 3, 2026: What if Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs? Day - This one is definitely just for fun! It's a lighthearted day when people like to imagine different scenarios, adventures or predicaments our four-legged companions might get themselves into, if they could.
Saturday, March 28, 2026: Respect Your Cat Day: A day to show extra appreciation to our feline friends.
April
There is quite a lot going on in April when it comes to pet holidays. A very busy month, indeed. Here are the three monthlong celebrations:
Month-Long:
- Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Month: Awareness, community action and campaigns. Supported and promoted by the ASPCA and other organizations.
- National Pet First Aid Awareness Month: Organizations like the American Red Cross offer resources, apps and classes for things like pet CPR, pet first aid, and emergency kit preparedness.
Week-Long:
April 12-18, 2026: Animal Control Appreciation Week: The second full week of April is when this occurs. A very important job, indeed.
April 17-23, 2026: National Pet ID Week: IDs for pets are crucial! A good week for awareness when it comes to microchipping, ID tags and some of the newer technology. Pet ID week always lasts for 7 days and begins on April 17.
Days:
Saturday, April 4, 2026: World Stray Animal Day: awareness of homeless animals.
Saturday, April 11, 2026: National Pet Day: Celebrated by all animal lovers! How will we celebrate?
Sunday, April 19, 2026: National Cat Lady Day: So cute! This one aims to move out of the "crazy cat lady" trope into compassion and empowerment.
Are you a cat mom? National Cat Lady Day doubles as "Cat Mom Day" - a very special day, indeed. Alternatively, many Cat Moms celebrate this important role on the official Mother's Day holiday. In 2026 that will be on Sunday, May 10.
Sunday, April 26, 2026: National Kids And Pets Day! This is a personal favorite, since Maine Coon cats are so great with kids.
Last but not least, very important to our longhaired friends:
Friday, April 24, 2026 is Hairball Awareness Day! The last Friday in April is when we bring awareness to this very relevant health topic of hairballs in cats.
Saturday April 25, 2026: World Veterinary Day: A time to say thank you to the health professionals who look after our beloved fur-friends.
Thursday, April 30, 2026: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day: strong outreach day; cat homes included.
Thursday, April 30, 2026: National Therapy Animal Day: Maine Coons make exceptional therapy pets!
Thursday, April 30, 2026: National Tabby Day: How could we skip this? Maine Coons can come in a rainbow of colors for sure, but those tabby markings remain iconic!
April AND May Bring National Pet Month
This one depends where you live! National Pet Month (or National Pet Awareness Month) lands in April in the UK, and May in the U.S.
May
Month-Long:
Responsible Animal Guardian Month: Created by IDA (In Defense of Animals) promotes viewing ourselves as guardians rather than owners.
Week-Long:
May 3-9, 2026: National Pet Week: The first full week in May each year brings National Pet Week, a time celebrate pet ownership and raise awareness about veterinary medicine and animal health.
May 3-9, 2026: Be Kind To Animals Week: Overlapping with National Pet Week, this is all about awareness around animal treatment.
Days:
Sunday May 3, 2026: National Specially-Abled Pets Day: All about adopting and spotlighting pets with disabilities! These babes are absolutely inspiring.
Friday May 8, 2026: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day: Established by FEMA, raises awareness around emergency plans and creating a pet-specific disaster kit.
May & June Overlap:
May: National Chip Your Pet Month: Just like it sounds - dedicated to microchipping awareness.
June: National Microchipping Month: Drawing attention to microchipping.
Which is "correct"? For now, it seems, both!
June
Month-Long:
Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month: The month of June is very important for cat lovers. It's Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month! And it's sponsored by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
In the spring, shelters are overflowing so June makes sense for this one.
National Foster a Pet Month: Think of it like a "sister holiday" to the one above, for the same reasons.
Week-Long:
June 7-13, 2026: Pet Appreciation Week (PAW): The first full week of June is a time to pamper your pet and maybe do some volunteering.
June 15-21, 2026: Animal Rights Awareness Week: Speaking up about animal welfare.
Days:
Thursday June 4, 2026: Hug Your Cat Day! Extra Coonie cuddles today!
Tuesday June 9, 2026: World Pet Memorial Day: Share your rainbow bridge story and remember past furry loves.
Thursday June 18, 2026: National Internet Cat Day: Celebrating feline internet superstars and personalities!
Monday June 22, 2026: Take Your Cat to Work Day: (rolls into Take Your Pet to Work Week on June 22-26, 2026)
Wednesday June 24, 2026: Cat World Domination Day: A playful nod to feline swagger.
July
Month-Long:
Lost Pet Prevention Month focuses on the millions of pets that go missing annually. Facts include the many pets that go missing on July 4th, and that shelters are often at capacity in July.
Days:
Friday, July 10, 2026: National Kitten Day: This one does get traction online and in rescue circles. It’s widely recognized!
August
Month-Long:
Clear the Shelters Month: Campaign that encourages pet adoption by partnering with animal shelters to reduce or waive fees.
Days:
Saturday August 8, 2026: International Cat Day: Big celebration - all about cats 🐱
Saturday August 15, 2026: International Homeless Animals Day: Celebrated globally with adoption events, fundraisers, spay/neuter clinics, and vigils
Monday August 17, 2026: Black Cat Appreciation Day: Celebrate your ebony beauty on this day.
Saturday, August 22, 2026: National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day: Encouraging well-checks.
Sunday August 30, 2026: National Holistic Pet Day: Think about your pets health holistically, focusing on mind, body, and spirit.
September
Month-Long:
World Animal Remembrance Month: A time to remember beloved companions, animals that gave their lives in duty, and those who lost their lives in natural disasters or human-caused reasons.
Pet Health Insurance Month: Pet insurance is important in covering unexpected veterinary costs.
Days:
Sunday September 13, 2026: National Pet Memorial Day: A day for pet owners to remember lost companions and acknowledge the pain of pet loss.
Monday September 28, 2026: World Rabies Day: Raising awareness on prevention and honoring Louis Pasteur's work on the first vaccine.
October
Month-Long:
National Pet Wellness Month: Emphasizes preventive care, regular vet checkups, and healthy habits.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Month: This is especially important to Maine Coon cat owners, who sometimes wonder how big is too big.
Some folks get a real kick out of the "fat cat" pictures that seem to be everywhere, but pet obesity is no laughing matter. We love our pets and want to keep them around as long as possible.
That means keeping them trim, fit, and healthy.
Week-Long:
October 18-24, 2026: National Veterinary Technician Week: Veterinary technicians play an important role in animal care.
Days:
Sunday October 4, 2026: World Animal Day: Encouraging people to be voices for animals.
Friday October 16, 2026: National Feral Cat Day: People celebrate by organizing TNR efforts, education, or advocating for feral cat protections.
Tuesday October 27, 2026: National Black Cat Day! Just before Halloween is the perfect time to dispel myths and superstitions.
Thursday October 29, 2026: National Cat Day! Widely recognized day of feline admiration and awareness.
November
Month-Long:
Adopt a Senior Pet Month! We just love this one. Senior pets have so much love to give, and they all deserve a loving home.
Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Cancer is the leading cause of death among older pets, and there's a lot to learn about how to increase the chances of our pets living longer.
Pet Diabetes Month Diabetes in cats is a common concern. This is a good time to pay attention to it.
Week-Long:
November 1-7, 2026: National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week: Shelters are so important. The perfect time to support your local shelter!
Days:
Friday November 27, 2026 is Fur-Free Friday (although every day should be fur-free!)
December
Month-Long:
National Cat Lovers Month: Spoiling your Coonie is always easy!
Days:
Thursday December 10, 2026: International Animal Rights Day: Also Human Rights Day - a time to advocate for the inherent rights, respect, and protection of all sentient beings
Tuesday December 15, 2026: Cat Herders Day: Have you ever tried to herd cats? Impossible! This is a cute day.
Did we miss any pet holidays that you know of? Contact us and let us know!
Have fun with your furry family members, and remember to share with friends whenever these pet days come around!
Coonie Clan Members: Hop on over to the Printables section inside the Member's Area for your downloadable, printable calendar:
Return to our Maine Coon Community Hub for more stories, conversations, and everyday Coonie life.
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Hi, I'm Carrie! As a native Mainer, Coonie mom and author, I've spent over 14 years helping cat owners understand their Coonies and mixes. Real experience, research-backed insights - that's my approach. Happy, healthy cats - that's the result!
Curious about my experiences? Check out my About Page!
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