National Black Cat Day 2026

When is National Black Cat Day 2026?

The date is Tuesday 27 October 2026. Cats Protection confirms that the campaign is held on 27 October each year.

Use the campaign name and organiser when planning a post. Other black-cat observances exist on different dates; a calendar entry for one should not be used to change the date of this UK campaign.

How to get involved

• Share a cat’s character. If you have permission to use a photograph, tell people something about the individual cat rather than relying on a superstition or stereotype.
• Use the official campaign. Cats Protection uses #BlackCatDay. Link to its current campaign information so readers can find out more.
• Support a verified appeal. Check the charity’s current fundraising or donation instructions and name the beneficiary clearly.
• Learn about adoption. Read the rescue organisation’s guidance before enquiring about a cat.
• Help throughout the year. Follow a charity’s current volunteering and support opportunities rather than assuming every branch needs the same items.

Ideas for schools and community groups

Create a display that separates a fictional belief from an animal’s actual needs. Children could draw an imagined cat and describe the care a real animal would require, without needing to bring a pet into the setting.

For a shared photo display, ask owners for permission and avoid publishing personal locations. Let contributors provide a short description of their cat’s habits. Do not arrange handling, costumes or a crowded photo session simply to produce campaign content.

If collecting donations or supplies, contact the intended charity first. Explain what is needed, where contributions will go and when the collection ends. A clearly defined appeal is easier for people to understand and for the organiser to deliver.

Why did Cats Protection start the day?

Cats Protection launched National Black Cat Day on 27 October 2011. Its campaign page explains that, at launch, black and black-and-white cats took longer to find homes than cats of other colours. It also reports progress since the campaign began.

That history is different from a current waiting-time statistic. Avoid repeating the original adoption gap as if it were a newly measured figure, or claiming that every black cat has the same experience.

Thinking about adopting a black cat?

Cats Protection’s adoption service provides current listings and information about its process. Choose a cat whose needs fit your home and circumstances, with the rescue organisation’s guidance. Coat colour is only one visible feature.

Before making an enquiry, think through the time, space, ongoing costs and household arrangements you can provide. Ask about the individual cat’s temperament, health information and suitable environment. A social media post can begin the research, but should not create pressure to adopt on a particular day.

Writing a useful National Black Cat Day post

Include the correct date, a brief explanation of the campaign and one relevant action. For example, share an individual adoption listing with the rescue’s permission, or direct readers to the official campaign page.

Check that any animal in a photograph is still available before describing it as awaiting adoption. Use the charity’s current description and link rather than copying an old listing into a new post.