What’s Mew at Catster: August Cat Events

We’re moving into the last days of summer, but that doesn’t mean summertime fun is over! Here are some great cat events to check out in August.

Tuesday, Aug. 8: International Cat Day

A gray cat with a world globe.

Cats are the most popular pet on the planet, and today is the day to celebrate our feline friends around the globe — and the ones right in our living room.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12 and 13: CatCon 2017

Two cat lovers attend Cat Con. Photography courtesy Cat Con.

It’s almost here! The third annual two-day, weekend-long conference showcasing all things feline moves to a bigger space at the Pasadena Convention Center this year. You’ll find cool cat stuff (like art, clothing and jewelry as well as fun stuff for your feline friends) and cool cat people (like Moshow the Cat Rapper, Ian Somerhalder and Kitten Lady Hannah Shaw). And then there are the cats: Lil BUB, Nala Cat, Pudge the Cat and other feline internet stars will make special appearances for Meet & Greet sessions.

And there are lots of new things planned for this year like yoga for cat lovers, CatCon After Dark (nighttime activities for those 21 and older) and the first-ever CatCon Awards.

For more information, check out CatCon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and at catconworldwide.com.

Thursday, Aug. 17 : National Black Cat Appreciation Day

Do we even need a black cat appreciation day? Yep! It’s hard to believe, but black cats still have a hard time getting adopted because of old superstitions. Of course, we here at Catster think cats of all colors are good luck, but sometimes these black beauties need a little extra help. So, if you’re thinking of adopting, consider giving a black kitty a chance. He’ll love you for it!

Saturday, Aug. 19: Clear the Shelters

Adopt a cat as part of Clear the Shelters! Photography by LiudmylaSupynska/Thinkstock.

Looking for a new best friend? Clear the Shelters is a nationwide pet adoption drive that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 50,000 pets found their forever homes in 2016. This is the campaign’s third year of joining with hundreds of animal shelters to offer low-cost pet adoption fees. And don’t forget to watch the event on NBC and Telemundo stations. For more information, visit cleartheshelters.com.

Tuesday, Aug. 22: Off to the Vet!

Cat and vet. Photography by Shutterstock.

Your cat is probably less than thrilled when it’s time for a vet visit, but annual exams are so important to your kitty’s health and well-being. That’s why National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day was created. So many cats (and their people) find vet visits scary and upsetting, so well-known veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker started the Fear Free Initiative to “take the pet out of petrified and get pets back into practices.” You’ll find vets who have Fear Free practices at fearfreepets.com.

Looking for a good read?

Cat About Town.

Cat About Town, the first in the new cat-centric Cat Café Mystery Series by Cate Conte, is now on sale. And it takes place in — you guessed it! — a cat café! Published by Minotaur Books, an imprint of St. Martin’s Press, it makes the purrfect summer read.

Stay tuned for more from Senior Editor Annie Butler Shirreffs on Catster.com’s What’s Mew at Catster column and on social media with #WhatsMewatCatster.