INDIANA — From playful kittens to older cats looking for a quiet place to settle in, National Cat Day on Thursday, October 29, is an opportunity to celebrate feline companions and help cats still waiting for a place to call home.
National Cat Day was established in 2005 to celebrate cats and encourage people to adopt animals in need of loving homes. The annual observance also offers an opportunity to recognize animal shelters, rescue organizations, and volunteers who work to care for homeless cats.
Celebrating National Cat Day can be as simple as spending extra time with a beloved pet, donating supplies to a local shelter, or considering adoption.
Cats can bring companionship, entertainment, and comfort into a home, but adopting one is also a long-term responsibility. Prospective owners should consider the costs of food, litter, veterinary care, and other necessities, along with the time and attention a cat needs.
Where to Adopt a Cat:
- White River Humane Society
- 3511 Pump House Rd, Bedford, IN, 47421 (White River Humane Society)
- Orange County Humane Society
- 856 N Greenbriar Drive, Paoli, IN 47454 (Orange County Humane Society)
- Bloomington Animal Care and Control
- 3410 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, IN (Animal Care & Control | City of Bloomington, Indiana)
- Btown Meow
- 5015 SR 46, Unit H, Bloomington, IN 47404 (Btown Meow)
Shelter hours, adoption requirements, and available cats can change. Contact the organization or check its website before making the trip.
Other Ways to Celebrate National Cat Day
Adoption is one meaningful way to recognize the day, but it is not the only one. Community members can also:
- Donate supplies: Contact a local shelter to ask about its current needs for food, litter, toys, cleaning products, and other essentials.
- Volunteer: Ask about helping with animal care, socialization, cleaning, or adoption events.
- Support responsible pet ownership: Keep cats up to date on veterinary care and vaccinations and discuss spaying or neutering with your veterinarian.
- Give your own cat some extra attention: Set aside time for play, grooming, or simply relaxing together.
- Consider adopting an adult or senior cat: Older cats can make wonderful companions, and shelters may have cats that are often overlooked in favor of kittens.
National Cat Day is a reminder that every cat deserves care, safety, and the opportunity to thrive. For those ready to make a long-term commitment, a visit to a nearby shelter could be the beginning of a lasting friendship.
