Hyderabad: August 8th marks a special day for cat lovers around the world as International Cat Day is celebrated. This occasion, created by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2002, aims to raise awareness about cats and promote their conservation. Since 2020, the feline charity International Cat Care (iCatCare) has been the custodian of this day, providing cat owners with veterinary professionals who offer feline medicine, surgery, and the support needed to care for their cats.
Health Benefits of Keeping a Pet Cat
1. Boosted Immune System: Exposure to cats can help boost your immune system, especially in children who build up their immunity over time.
2. Lower Stress Levels: Spending time with a cat can lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
3. Improved Sleep Quality: Cats have a calming presence that helps create a soothing sleep environment.
4. Better Mental Health: Interacting with a cat can increase feelings of happiness and contentment.
5. Increased Lifespan: Cat owners have a lower risk of death from heart disease and other causes.
6. Improved Cardiovascular Health: Cat owners have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, and experience lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Fascinating Facts About Cats
Scientific Name: The domestic cat is scientifically known as “Felis catus” and is the smallest member of the Felidae family.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a cat is 13 to 17 years, with some living into their twenties. The world record holder, Creme Puff, lived for 38 years.
History: Mummified cats have helped scientists trace and study DNA to learn about the history of cats.
Reproduction: Cats can become fertile as early as five months old, with a rapid increase in population without human intervention. A pair of breeding cats can produce 420,000 offspring in seven years.
Pregnancy: The average pregnancy period for cats is 65 days, or about nine weeks.
Vision: Cats can see in the dark six times better than humans.
Historical Roles: Cats were used in Roman homes for pest control and featured in Hindu epics like the Ramayana.
Kitten Development: Kittens learn to purr a few days after birth, despite being blind and deaf. They use meowing to communicate with their mothers.
Dental Facts: Cats have two sets of teeth in their lifetimes—baby teeth and adult teeth.
Cat Ownership Around the World
The United States tops the list for cat and dog ownership, with about 70 million domestic dogs and 74 million domestic cats.
Indian Celebrities Who Love Cats
Shamita Shetty: Loves her pets Pixie, Loki, Lola, and Phoebee.
Disha Patani: Owns beautiful white kittens Jasmine and Keety.
Alia Bhatt: Has cats named Sheeba and Eddie.
Athiya Shetty: Proud cat mom to Brody.
Jacqueline Fernandes: Poses with her cats Miu Miu, XyZa, and Yoda.
Cat-Friendly Countries for Travel
Japan: Known for ‘cat islands’ like Tashirojima and Aoshima, and cat cafés.
France: Paris has a cat-friendly culture with cats in libraries, bakeries, and restaurants.
The Netherlands: Home to ‘De Poezenboot,’ a cat sanctuary on a canal boat in Amsterdam.
Italy: Cats live legally in the old ruins of Rome, and Italian law is cat-friendly.
Australia: An animal lover’s paradise with many parks and beaches for cats.
Other Cat-Friendly Countries: Germany, Sweden, and Canada.
How to Celebrate International Cat Day
1. Donate or Fundraise: Support your favorite cat welfare charity.
2. Raise Awareness: Promote cat health, welfare, and conservation.
3. Adopt a Cat: Consider adopting a cat from a local shelter.
4. Share Stories: Share your life experiences with cats.
5. Spend Time with Your Cat: Treat them to a favorite snack or playtime.
6. Wear Cat-Themed Outfits: Show your support for cats at work.
7. Share Photos and Videos: Use hashtags like LoveForCats,
International Cat Day is a joyous occasion to celebrate the special place cats hold in our lives. Everyone loves to play with a feline friend. So let’s come together to celebrate the day, enjoy, spread happiness, and save cats.
Related Topics
What Makes Ragdoll Cats Different?
