National Feral Cat Day
Volunteer or donate to an organization helps feral cats, keeping them from dangers such as euthanasia programs, predators, and overpopulation.
If the internet is any judge, everyone loves a cat, well… Unless it’s a stray cat, at which point the tropes involve more back-alley caterwauling and boots being thrown at yowling cats on fences.
National Feral Cat Day is here to remind us of our love of the furry-little devils, and how every stray cat has within them a loving cuddle-able furball looking for a foreverhome.
How to Celebrate National Feral Cat Day
National Feral Cat Day is best celebrated by alerting people the various issues facing stray cats. Most cities currently catch and impound cats in shelters, briefly attempting to get them adopted before ultimately euthanizing them.
Instead you can educate others about organizations like Alley Cat Allies, and the Trap-Neuter-Return policy that saves the cats lives while preventing future generations.
You can also begin participating in a stray cat capture program, organizing with a local group to create a Trap-neuter-Return effort of your very own.
An easily overlooked but incredibly effective method of celebrating is nothing more than getting your own cats neutered to ensure that unwanted kittens will not be born into the world.
You too can take part in ensuring that society changes the way it thinks about stray cats, and help to create compassionate communities for house cats and stray cats alike.
History of National Feral Cat Day
To talk about the history of National Feral Cat Day one must first discuss the history of the cat. In the grand scheme of things cats have been domesticated nearly as long as dogs, and have been living alongside us for over 10,000 years.
There isn’t a place in the world that one can’t find cats in homes, and colonies of cats living in every nook and cranny of human cities. It’s no surprise either, we generate a lot of waste, and by extension attract a lot of vermin, vermin which these natural predators love to chase, catch, and eat.
In August of 2001, Alley Cat Allies celebrated their 10th anniversary, and launched the first annual National Feral Cat Day to promote raising awareness about feral cat colonies and how to care for, and prevent them.
Alley Cat Allies is a strong supporter of the ‘Trap-Neuter-Return’ policy, where stray cats are captured and brought in to local volunteer veterinarians to be neutered and returned to the streets.
This allows the cats to live out their lives on the streets, without creating more kittens to perpetuate the problem.
National Feral Cat Day FAQs
Did any ancient cultures recognize or protect feral cats?
Ancient Egyptians revered cats, including feral ones, believing they protected grain stores from rodents. Killing a cat, even accidentally, could result in severe punishment.
In Japan, the Maneki-neko (“beckoning cat”) is thought to be inspired by street cats, symbolizing good fortune.
Medieval European towns often relied on stray cats to control vermin, though during the Black Death, many were wrongly blamed for spreading disease and were killed—ironically worsening the rat problem.
Are there any famous feral cats in history?
Yes! One of the most famous feral cats was Mrs. Chippy, who lived aboard the Endurance during Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition in 1914.
Though technically a stray rather than feral, Mrs. Chippy adapted to ship life, catching rats and navigating rough waters.
Another well-known street cat is Bob the Cat, who lived on the streets of London before forming an inseparable bond with a homeless musician. His story became a best-selling book and a movie.
Do feral cats communicate differently than pet cats?
Yes! Feral cats meow much less than domesticated cats because meowing is primarily used to get human attention.
Instead, they rely more on body language, tail flicks, and scent marking. Their vocalizations tend to be hisses, growls, or chirps when interacting with other cats.
Some feral cats, over time, develop a unique “silent meow” to communicate with caregivers in feeding colonies.
How do different cities around the world handle feral cat populations?
In Istanbul, street cats are beloved and protected, with residents leaving food and water for them.
In Rome, feral cats are allowed to live freely in historical ruins, including the Colosseum. Japan has entire islands, like Aoshima, where feral cats outnumber humans and are a major tourist attraction.
However, some places like Australia have strict measures to control feral populations due to their impact on wildlife.
Are there any myths or superstitions about feral cats?
Many cultures have superstitions about stray cats. In Italy, a black stray cat crossing your path is considered bad luck, while in the UK and Japan, the same cat is a sign of good fortune.
In Slavic folklore, street cats are believed to guard homes from evil spirits. Some sailors once believed that befriending a stray cat before a voyage would ensure a safe trip.
What’s the biggest recorded feral cat colony in history?
One of the largest recorded feral cat colonies was found on Marion Island, South Africa, where nearly 3,400 feral cats lived at one point.
These cats were originally introduced to control mice but quickly became an invasive species, devastating local bird populations.
In urban areas, colonies of hundreds exist, such as the famous cat colonies of Rome and the hundreds of stray cats living in Disneyland, where they help control rodents.
How do some businesses use feral cats?
Many bookstores, breweries, and even police stations have adopted feral or semi-feral cats as “employees.”
The Hermitage Museum in Russia keeps a group of stray cats to control mice in the historic building. Breweries in the U.S., like Empirical Brewery in Chicago, keep feral cat teams as organic pest control.
Some police stations in Japan allow street cats to live on-site as unofficial mascots.
What’s the difference between stray and feral cats?
Stray cats were once pets and can usually be re-socialized, while feral cats are born wild and fear human contact.
Stray cats are more likely to approach people, while feral cats avoid them unless they recognize a caretaker.
Interestingly, some cats live in a “gray area” between the two—semi-feral cats may allow limited human interaction but still prefer outdoor life.
Has any government officially recognized or protected feral cats?
Yes! Italy passed a law in 1991 protecting feral cat colonies, stating they cannot be relocated unless in danger.
In Turkey, stray cats are so loved that the government funds food stations and shelters for them. Taiwan also has strict laws protecting street cats from harm.
In contrast, some regions consider feral cats an invasive species and enforce population control methods.
What’s the strangest way someone has celebrated National Feral Cat Day?
One of the most unusual celebrations happened in New Orleans, where a jazz festival dedicated a song set to street cats.
In Japan, a cat café offered free visits to anyone who could prove they had participated in a Trap-Neuter-Return program.
Some tattoo parlors have even run “cat flash tattoo” events where proceeds go toward feral cat care.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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