Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

National Cat Lovers Month 2026: When & What It Is

Share

woman-petting-her-cat

National Cat Lovers Month is every December, and this year is no exception. It’s a month specifically set aside for you to sit back and spend a little extra time with your cat, and there are many different ways you can do this.

While National Cat Lovers Month isn’t the most well-known month to celebrate, if you love cats, it’s a great excuse to love up on them a bit more and spend a little extra time with your favorite furry friends!

divider 1 paws

The 5 Ways to Celebrate National Cat Lovers Month

Now that you know when National Cat Lovers Month is, it’s time to figure out how to celebrate it. There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the month, and the only thing limiting your ways to celebrate is your imagination!

1. Donate Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

One of the absolute best ways to celebrate National Cat Lovers Month is to spend time with or support cats that don’t always get the resources and attention they deserve. Shelters often have way more cats than they can handle, and while you don’t want to adopt one on a whim, that doesn’t mean you can’t support them in other ways.

Volunteering is great, but you can also give them some money to help support their operations, or you can ask them what they need and donate things.

two women adopting cats at the shelter
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

2. Spend Some Extra Time With Your Cat

If you already have a cat (or a few cats) at home, one of the best ways to celebrate the month is by giving them a little extra time throughout December. It’s not as straightforward or easy as buying them something, but it’s probably what your cat will enjoy most.

Spend some extra time petting them, playing games with them, brushing them, and interacting with them in other ways and you’re sure to have one happy cat throughout all of December.


3. Get Your Cat a Special Treat

If your cat is like ours, they simply can’t get enough treats. Whether it’s catnip or something else entirely, get them some of their favorite treats or something new to try. You don’t want to give them loads of treats throughout the entire month, but a few extra treats now and again aren’t a big deal, and your cat will love the special attention.

Another unique way to get your cat a new treat is to make them yourself, which requires a bit more work but is a more personal way to give them something special.

woman hang giving treat to a cat
Image Credit: StockSnap, Pixabay

4. Buy Your Cat a New Toy

If you want something that isn’t food for your cat, you can bring them a new toy to play with. One perk of going with a new toy instead of treats is that toys generally last longer than treats, although some cats are experts at destroying toys.


5. Spread Awareness for Local Shelters and Rescues

Another great way to support local shelters and rescues is by spreading awareness. Simple things like sharing Facebook and Instagram posts can make a big difference. Sharing posts about donation drives can lead to more supplies, sharing posts about cats that need homes can help them find them, and sharing all their posts in general can lead to more volunteers!

cat at an animal shelter
Image Credit: JW Design, Shutterstock

divider 1 paws

Final Thoughts

Now that you know a little more about National Cat Lover Month and when it is, all that’s left is for you to start planning how you will celebrate this year. Whatever you choose to do to celebrate the month is up to you, but it’s an excellent opportunity to spend a little extra time with cats, which is perfect for cat lovers.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: evrymmnt, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Chatting About the Importance of Spaying/Neutering, Cat Retail Shopping Ban & Red-Level Storms | Chatty Cattys, Episode 30

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole and Dr. Karyn are celebrating a major legal win for pets before diving into...

Is Your Cat Happy? Here’s How You Can Tell

Cats have a reputation for being indifferent, even inscrutable. But despite their seemingly ambivalent appearance, cats experience many emotions, including happiness, and they...

Human Brains Age Like Cats – New Study Debunks the 7-Year Rule

If you’ve ever caught your senior cat staring blankly at a wall, wandering the halls at 3 am, calling out for no clear...

Chatting with Devin About Here! Have a Kitten, Fostering, & Why Two Are Better Than One | Chatty Cattys, Episode 29

In this episode of Catster’s Chatty Cattys podcast, Nicole & Dr. Karyn sit down with Devin, the founder and one-woman show behind “Here...

More related

Quarantine Kittens: The Night I Became An Accidental Midwife for Milly (With Video)

Welcome to the Wednesday Cats of Catster! Every week, we share a story from one of our cat-loving Catsters. This week is about...

Are Himalayan Salt Lamps Safe for Cats? Vet Reviewed Facts

Himalayan salt lamps have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Their pink light creates a serene atmosphere and is excellent for...

Why Is My Cat Peeing on My Bed All of a Sudden? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Have you ever had to ask yourself “why did my cat pee on my bed”? Us too. As cat owners, we love our...

Why Do Cats Like to Sit on Paper? Our Vet Explores 4 Likely Reasons

Whether it is the daily newspaper print or that pile of documents on your desk, it seems like your kitty does not leave...

Keep reading

Why Do Hairless Cats Exist? Vet Reviewed Breeds, Origin & Care Tips (With Pictures)

When one thinks of a cat, they often envision a small, furry companion. However, not all cats have fur; some cats are naturally without fur – better known as hairless. Hairless cats vary in degrees of hairlessness; some have a...

sphynx cat

Colitis in Cats: Our Vet Explains Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

Taking care of a cat experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms can be quite an ordeal and cause a significant amount of stress for both you and your cat. A gastrointestinal sign that may impact your cat and make them feel ill is...

A cat having a check up at a small animal vet clinic

Are Prayer Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

The prayer plant, Maranta leuconeura, enjoys the cooler, even temperatures found inside your home and indirect light through a shady window or a sheer curtain. It typically grows to about 12 inches in height with broad, dark green leaves that...

Catster_Are Prayer Plants Toxic to Cats

How to Massage a Cat With Arthritis: 4 Vet Approved Techniques & Tips

Cats are known for being good at hiding their pain. After all, they evolved in an environment where showing pain put them at higher risk of being attacked by a predator or another feline. Fortunately, vets are starting to understand...

Cat-Massage

Polypropylene Glycol and Cats: Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Advice

Their independent nature and selective food preferences limit the number of poisoning cases involving cats. Dogs are four times more likely1 to experience this health issue. Glycols are some of the most common toxic agents affecting pets. One of the...

a cat that feels sick and seems to vomit

How to Clean a Cat Bowl: 8 Easy Steps & Vet-Reviewed Precautions

A cat bowl is easily one of the most important pieces of equipment for a cat owner. Just like humans, cats are affected by food-borne illnesses, most commonly caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, E.coli and Listeria. These illnesses can...

hepper nom nom cat bowl

Weaning Kittens: Vet-Reviewed Guide for How & When to Do It

At some point, all mammals need to be weaned. Transitioning kittens from nursing to eating solid food is a messy, fun experience. To properly transition, the kittens will need the appropriate support and food. Of course, whenever you switch the...

F1 Kitten drinks milk from a bottle

Low Blood Pressure in Cats: Our Vet Explains the Signs, Causes, Treatments & FAQ

Low blood pressure occurs less commonly in cats than high blood pressure does. Causes may include blood loss, severe infection, heart disease, or even side effects from medications. Cats with low blood pressure may have pale gums, weakness, behavioral changes,...

domestic striped kitten with a sad face feels sick

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.