Home / July

A little reason to celebrate

National Kitten Day

Animal · July 10

A day for kittens: how young cats grow, play and learn, and simple ways to help kittens in your community find safe, caring homes.

National Kitten Day falls on Saturday, July 10, 2027. That is 256 days away.

Kittens are young cats, and for their first weeks they mostly sleep, eat and grow. Their eyes open after about a week or two, and soon after that they start wobbling around on legs that seem slightly too long for the rest of them.

Play comes next, and it is serious work. Pouncing on a string or a sibling's tail teaches a kitten how to stalk, balance and judge distance. Rough and tumble with littermates also teaches manners, since a kitten that bites too hard quickly finds the game stops.

Most people mark the day close to home. Some spend an afternoon with their own cat, looking through old photos from its kitten days. Others visit a local shelter, where volunteers are often glad of help with cleaning, socializing or simply sitting quietly so shy kittens get used to people. Donating towels or blankets is a common, low-cost way to help.

Anyone thinking of bringing a kitten home can use the day to plan. A kitten needs a vet visit, food made for young cats, a litter box and a few safe toys. Strings and ribbons are fun under supervision but best put away afterward, because kittens may try to swallow them.

Kittens also need rest. A tired kitten will often fall asleep mid-play, sometimes sitting up, and it is kindest to let it.

Ways to celebrate

• Look up your local shelter's wish list and donate a towel or blanket.
• Ask a shelter about volunteering to socialize kittens.
• Share a favorite kitten photo of your own cat.
• Make a simple cardboard box hideout for your cat.
• Read up on kitten care before deciding to adopt.

Dates

All national days on July 10

Also on July 10

• National Piña Colada Day
• Teddy Bear Picnic Day
• Pick Blueberries Day

Categories: Animal days