Cat Film Festival (CatVideoFest)

Cat film festivals: CatVideoFest and the cat cinema calendar

Cat videos are the internet's oldest tradition. CatVideoFest turns them into a cinema event — a touring compilation screened in independent venues worldwide, with proceeds going to local cat rescues at each stop.

EventCatVideoFest

SeasonSpring–summer (typically May–July)

FormatCinema screenings, touring nationally and internationally

BenefitPortion of ticket revenue to local cat rescues at each venue

What is CatVideoFest?

CatVideoFest is an annual curated compilation of cat videos — drawn from public submissions and internet favourites — projected in cinemas, arts venues, and community spaces. It began as a small event at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in 2012, attracting an unexpectedly large crowd, and evolved into a national and then international touring programme.

Each screening venue designates a local cat rescue organisation as the beneficiary of a portion of ticket sales. This model has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for shelters and rescues across North America and Europe since its launch.

The science behind cat video enjoyment

The appeal of cat content has attracted serious research interest. A study by Jessica Myrick (2015) in Computers in Human Behavior surveyed over 7,000 internet users about their cat video habits. Findings included:

Participants reported reduced negative emotions (sadness, anxiety, annoyance) after watching cat videos
Positive emotions (happiness, hope, contentment) increased
The effect persisted even when participants felt guilty about watching during work or study time
Cat content viewers had higher scores on introversion and agreeableness personality measures

The researchers concluded that cat content functions as a form of "procrastination" that nonetheless delivers a measurable mood boost — making the guilt largely unwarranted.

Where to find screenings. The touring schedule for the current year is published at catvideofest.com each spring. Many independent cinemas also announce screenings through their own newsletters and social media.

Other cat film events

Cat Film Festival

San Francisco, CA — Annual

A curated short-film showcase with feline subjects — narrative, documentary, and experimental films. Fundraises for San Francisco SPCA. Details at catfilm.net.

Meow-a-thon screenings

Various UK venues — Ad hoc

Independent UK cinemas occasionally programme cat-themed evenings — classic films featuring cats, or short-film programmes. Check local cinema listings and the CatTheGuide events page.

Internet Cat Video Festival (Archive)

Walker Art Center, Minneapolis — Originated 2012

The original event that inspired CatVideoFest. The Walker Art Center archives information about the original 2012 screening, which drew 10,000 attendees and launched the genre.

Frequently asked questions

What is CatVideoFest?

CatVideoFest is an annual touring compilation of cat videos curated from submissions and internet classics, screened in independent cinemas, art houses, and community spaces. A portion of ticket revenue goes to local cat rescue organisations at each venue. It typically tours North America and selected European cities from spring through summer.

How do I find a CatVideoFest screening near me?

The official screening schedule and venue list is published on the CatVideoFest website each year. Screenings are typically confirmed from early spring. Venues also include the event on their own websites and box-office systems.

Are cat film festivals good for cat welfare?

When screenings benefit local rescues — as CatVideoFest does — yes. They raise both funds and public awareness of adoption. The broader cultural phenomenon of cat content online has also been linked to positive effects on mood and wellbeing; a study cited by Myrick (2015) in Computers in Human Behavior found that watching cat videos reduced negative emotions and increased energy, with the effect persisting even when people felt guilty about watching at work.

Can I submit a video of my cat?

Yes — CatVideoFest accepts public submissions through its website. Details of the submission process, technical requirements, and deadlines are posted on the official CatVideoFest submission page each cycle.

Are there other cat film festivals?

Several other events feature cat-themed cinema. The Cat Film Festival (based in San Francisco) is an annual showcase of short films with feline subjects, also raising money for rescue. In the UK, independent cinemas occasionally host one-off cat content evenings. Check local event listings or the CatTheGuide events calendar for events in your area.