Cats, Feral and Global: A Day to Celebrate Our Whiskered Wanderers
October 16
What a day! When I checked my calendar, I found a whole lineup of observances: National Feral Cat Day, Global Cat Day, National Boss’s Day, World Allergy Awareness Day, and Get Smart About Credit Day—just to name a few.
The choice was easy for me. I’m a cat person through and through, as Banner and Balboa will gladly confirm.
Banner & Balboa
I’m retired and self-employed now, running my online store Welcoming Haven, so there’s no boss to celebrate.
World Allergy Awareness Day? With its runny noses, wheezy breaths, and itchy red eyes, it can take a back seat to my kitties—though I’ll admit, cats are one of nature’s most common allergens. And as for Get Smart About Credit Day… well, that’s a bit like weight loss. I know what to do, I know what should be done, but I don’t always follow my own advice.
So let’s stick to cats.
Feral Cats I’ve Known and Loved
Years ago, I cared for a feral cat colony at the apartment complex where I lived. People would move out and leave their pets behind. Not all were spayed or neutered, and before long, a colony formed from these abandoned animals. It broke my heart. These cats didn’t understand why they were suddenly on the streets, but they quickly learned to be wary of humans. That first generation wasn’t truly feral—but their kittens were.
Each new litter grew more skittish and shy. Then one day, I spotted a neighbor’s child holding a tiny ball of fluff. Long story short: I rescued that little creature, and Rocky came into my life. He was my beloved companion for 19 years.
Rocky
The best rescue I’ve ever done.
This is love- Rocky
Global Cat Day
Global Cat Day takes National Feral Cat Day one step further. It reminds us that no matter where we live, we can empower people to defend and protect cats—feral, stray, or otherwise.
In the U.S., we have the famous polydactyl cats of Hemingway’s House in Key West.
Hemingway Cats
In Japan, there are entire cat islands like Tashirojima and Aoshima.
Cats of Aoshima
Rome is home to an estimated 120,000 cats, many living in colonies legally protected by a 1991 law. And of course, ancient Egyptians worshiped cats as divine beings.
Clearly, cats have left their paw prints all over the world.
Wrapping Up
They say dogs are man’s best friend, but I’d argue that cats are tied for first place. Even feral cats—those too wary for cuddles or lap time—deserve love, care, and respect.
If you have a feral colony near you, consider working with a local vet to set up a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program. True ferals may never become house pets, but they can live healthy, peaceful lives—especially when they’re not trying to repopulate the world.
Want to learn more about TNR programs? Click here to explore resources and get involved. Alley Cat Allies, Cat Man Chris
