National Feral Cat Day
October 16
About National Feral Cat Day
National Feral Cat Day takes place on 16 October each year and is dedicated to raising awareness about feral and community cats and promoting humane, effective ways of caring for them. Founded by the advocacy group Alley Cat Allies in 2001, the day champions Trap-Neuter-Return as the responsible alternative to lethal control. In 2016, Alley Cat Allies rebranded the occasion as Global Cat Day, though many calendars and supporters still mark National Feral Cat Day on the same date.
What is National Feral Cat Day?
National Feral Cat Day is an annual awareness day focused on the millions of feral and stray cats that live outdoors, often referred to as community cats. It was created by Alley Cat Allies, a United States non-profit founded in 1990 that leads the movement to protect cats and promote their welfare. The day exists to educate the public about Trap-Neuter-Return, to challenge outdated approaches that relied on catching and killing outdoor cats, and to mobilise compassionate people to take practical action in their own neighbourhoods. It is for animal lovers, caregivers, shelters and policymakers alike.
When is National Feral Cat Day?
National Feral Cat Day falls on Friday, 16 October 2026. It is observed on the same fixed date every year, so it never moves. Since 2016, Alley Cat Allies has run the occasion under the name Global Cat Day, but the original National Feral Cat Day branding remains widely recognised and is still listed on 16 October by many awareness calendars around the world.
Why National Feral Cat Day Matters
Feral and community cats have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, yet for much of the twentieth century the standard response to them was removal and euthanasia. This approach was both inhumane and ineffective, because new cats simply moved into the vacated territory. National Feral Cat Day matters because it promotes a method that genuinely works. The evidence is striking: in one documented 16-year Trap-Neuter-Return project following a colony of 175 community cats, the population declined by 99.4 percent, with no healthy cats euthanised. The day also addresses public misunderstanding, reminding people that feral cats are not failed pets but animals that are generally unsocialised to humans and thrive living outdoors when cared for responsibly.
How to Get Involved in National Feral Cat Day
There are many ways to support feral and community cats on 16 October, whether you have a few minutes or want to make a lasting commitment.
- Learn about Trap-Neuter-Return – Read up on how TNR works so you can explain it confidently to neighbours, friends and local officials who may still believe removal is the only option.
- Volunteer with a local TNR group – Many grassroots organisations need help with trapping, transporting cats to clinics and monitoring colonies after their return.
- Become a colony caregiver – Providing food, fresh water and basic shelter to a local colony makes a real difference to the cats’ quality of life through the colder months.
- Donate to a cat welfare charity – Spaying or neutering, vaccinating and ear-tipping cats costs money, so financial support helps clinics reach more animals.
- Advocate for humane policy – Write to local councils and shelters encouraging them to adopt TNR programmes rather than catch-and-kill approaches.
- Spread the word online – Share accurate information about community cats on social media to counter myths and inspire others to act.
- Build a winter shelter – A simple insulated box can protect outdoor cats from harsh weather, and many charities publish easy do-it-yourself plans.
- Report and support local colonies – If you spot unmanaged cats in your area, connect with an established group rather than acting alone, so the cats receive proper care.
History of National Feral Cat Day
Alley Cat Allies launched National Feral Cat Day in 2001 as a call to action. The organisation, established in 1990 by Becky Robinson and Louise Holton, had already spent more than a decade pioneering Trap-Neuter-Return in the United States after the pair encountered a colony of cats in a Washington alley. The new awareness day gave caregivers across the country a single rallying point to share their work and push for humane treatment of outdoor cats.
Over the following years the day grew steadily, with shelters, rescue groups and individuals hosting events, clinics and educational drives every 16 October. As awareness of TNR spread internationally, Alley Cat Allies recognised that the cause had become a global one rather than a purely national concern.
In 2016 the organisation rebranded the occasion as Global Cat Day to reflect its worldwide reach, while keeping National Feral Cat Day as the action-focused component for those taking part. Both names are now used on 16 October, and the original title endures because it remains instantly recognisable to the caregivers and advocates who built the movement.
Noteworthy Facts About National Feral Cat Day
- The day was first observed on 16 October 2001, founded by Alley Cat Allies.
- Alley Cat Allies itself was established in 1990 and is considered a pioneer of organised Trap-Neuter-Return in the United States.
- Ear-tipping, the painless removal of a small portion of a cat’s left ear during neutering, is the universal sign that a community cat has been through a TNR programme.
- In 2016 the event was rebranded as Global Cat Day to reflect its international scope.
- A 2007 study conducted by Harris Interactive for Alley Cat Allies found that more than 80 percent of Americans believed it more humane to leave a cat outside than to have it caught and killed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Feral Cat Day?
National Feral Cat Day is an annual awareness day, founded by Alley Cat Allies in 2001, that raises awareness of feral and community cats and promotes Trap-Neuter-Return as the humane way to care for them.
When is National Feral Cat Day in 2026?
National Feral Cat Day is on Friday, 16 October 2026. It is observed on the same date every year.
Is National Feral Cat Day the same as Global Cat Day?
Yes. Alley Cat Allies rebranded National Feral Cat Day as Global Cat Day in 2016 to reflect its worldwide reach. Both names refer to the same 16 October observance, and many calendars still list National Feral Cat Day separately.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Feral Cat Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalFeralCatDay and #GlobalCatDay2026 on social media. The more people who understand how Trap-Neuter-Return protects community cats, the bigger the impact.
Related Awareness Days
- International Cat Day – A worldwide celebration of cats every 8 August, championing their welfare and companionship.
- World Cat Month – Marked throughout October, the same month as National Feral Cat Day, encouraging cat care and adoption.
- International Rescue Cat Day – A day dedicated to celebrating and supporting cats rescued from difficult circumstances.
Links
- Visit the official Alley Cat Allies National Feral Cat Day page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Josue Aguazia on Unsplash.
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