Events
Cat days, fairs
and awareness
Awareness days that matter, adoption events near you, and online workshops — all in one place. We list what we can verify; always confirm with the organiser before you travel.
Next cat day
Global Cat Day
Oct 16
Add to your calendar and share with other cat owners.
The cat year
Awareness days & months
Months with a dot have at least one cat awareness day or month. Select a month to see what's on.
Global Cat Day
Alley Cat Allies' flagship awareness day — focused on the welfare of community cats and ending the killing of cats in shelters.
National Cat Day
Founded in 2005 to help people appreciate cats and encourage adoption of the millions of cats that are euthanised each year.
Near you and online
Adoption, shows & workshops
These are placeholder entries. If you run a cat event, submit it and we'll review it against our listing rules below.
[ADOPTION FAIR — CITY NAME]
Meet adoptable cats and kittens, speak to shelter staff, and complete applications on the day.
[AUTUMN CAT SHOW]
Pedigree and household pet classes judged across two rings. Traders, breeders and rescue stalls.
[FELINE BEHAVIOUR WORKSHOP]
A practical session covering body language, litter problems, multi-cat households and enrichment.
[WEBINAR: CARING FOR SENIOR CATS]
A free one-hour live session on nutrition, mobility and palliative care for older cats.
[RESCUE FUNDRAISER EVENT]
Raffles, stalls and a meet-and-greet with resident cats. All proceeds fund the rescue's medical costs.
[ONLINE Q&A: CAT NUTRITION]
Submit questions in advance or ask live. Covers raw feeding, commercial food labels and supplements.
Before you go
Three things to know first
Leave your own cat at home
Even well-socialised cats find crowded events stressful. Unless the event specifically invites resident cats, leave yours in a calm environment with familiar scents.
Adopting? Prepare before the day
Have your home cat-proofed, your vet chosen, and your carrier ready. Shelters often ask to see photos of your space or to speak with a landlord before approving.
Check with the organiser
Details change. Confirm time, location and any entry requirements directly with the organiser in the week before attending.
Frequently asked questions
What is International Cat Day?
International Cat Day falls on 8 August every year. It was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to celebrate cats and raise awareness of their welfare needs worldwide. It is now one of the most widely observed pet-related awareness days globally.
How do I find adoption events near me?
Use the "Find events near you" search above and filter by Adoption. You can also contact your nearest rescue centre directly — Cats Protection and International Cat Care's vet finder are good starting points in the UK. In the US, Alley Cat Allies lists TNR and adoption programmes by state.
Can I submit my own cat event?
Yes — use the "Submit an event" button and include a verifiable organiser contact. We list events that are open to the public, have no unreasonable entry fees, and comply with local animal welfare law. We do not list private sales or unregistered breeding expos.
What should I bring to a cat adoption fair?
Bring photo ID, proof of address, and if you already have pets — their vaccination records. Many organisers will ask about your home setup (indoor/outdoor, other animals, children). Read our first week home guide before you go to make sure you are prepared.
Are cat shows good for the cats?
Licensed cat shows regulated by bodies such as the GCCF (UK) or CFA (US) have strict welfare standards. Cats should be healthy, vaccinated, and well-socialised. If a cat appears stressed, it should be withdrawn. Shows can be a positive enrichment experience for cats that are used to travel and handling.