About World Cat Day
World Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), one of the largest animal welfare organisations in the world. The date — 8 February — was chosen to fall in the Northern Hemisphere winter, when stray and feral cat populations are under greatest environmental stress.
The day's focus has evolved over the years from a general celebration to a more targeted welfare campaign. The 2027 edition focuses specifically on the post-adoption care gap: cats that are successfully rehomed but whose owners are under-prepared for the first weeks and months, leading to returns or welfare issues.
The welfare case: why this day matters
The RSPCA receives over 90,000 calls about cats annually in the UK, and shelter relinquishment figures consistently show that preventable welfare issues — behaviour problems, inappropriate feeding, unaddressed health conditions — account for a significant proportion of cat returns after adoption.
IFAW's 2027 campaign highlights three areas where preparation makes the biggest difference:
- The first week: How the cat is introduced to the home sets the tone for its long-term behaviour. Our first week home guide applies to adult cats as much as kittens.
- Feeding correctly: Over half of UK cats are now overweight according to 2026 PDSA data. Accurate portion measurement from day one prevents many obesity-related health issues. Use our feeding calculator.
- Preventive health: Many rehomed cats arrive with vaccination histories that owners do not continue. Check what is due using our vaccinations guide.
How to take part
Share
Share a photo or story using the IFAW campaign hashtag. IFAW features submissions on their global platforms throughout the day.
Donate
Donations to IFAW, Cats Protection, or your local shelter support both rescue and campaign work year-round.
Welfare check
Use the day as a prompt: run through the cat-proofing checklist, check vaccination dates, and assess body condition using our calculator.
Thinking of adopting? Many rescue centres run World Cat Day promotions. Before bringing a new cat home, work through our introduction guide if you have a resident cat, or the first week home guide for single-cat households. Preparation before arrival is what makes the difference.