A cat sleeping under a car. The shaded space beneath the vehicle provides relief from the intense sunlight in summer, but it becomes especially useful in winter, when cats often seek warmth in the engine room. This can lead to accidents, as cats may hide in the engine area. It is recommended to knock on the car hood before starting the vehicle during winter to prevent such incidents and save a cat’s life. (Photo courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Aug. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — August 8 marks World Cat Day, a global observance established by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2002 to improve awareness about cats and acknowledge their value alongside humans. The day promotes the importance of protecting and caring for cats, with an emphasis on adoption, particularly of stray cats.
The IFAW, one of the largest animal welfare organizations globally, is well-known for its animal rescue operations, including campaigns against polar bear hunting. Since 2020, the International Cat Care (ICC) has been leading the World Cat Day programs, focusing on improving the health and welfare of cats. The ICC, a nonprofit organization founded in the UK in 1958, continues to drive research and raise awareness about cat-related issues.
On this day, cat owners around the world are sharing pictures of their cats on social media with the hashtag #WorldCatDay, and campaigns encouraging the adoption of stray cats are taking place in various regions. In South Korea, for example, the premium pet nutrition brand HoodisPet, along with convenience store CU, are hosting events to celebrate the day.
Street cats often get injured due to territorial disputes. However, neutered cats experience a significant reduction in aggression, leading to fewer fights among them. The cat in the photo, a 4-month-old kitten, was injured in an attack by another cat. (Photo courtesy of the reader)
While World Cat Day is celebrated globally, individual countries also designate their own days for cats. In the United States, National Cat Day falls on October 29, Russia celebrates it on March 1, and Japan’s Cat Day is on February 22, chosen because the Japanese pronunciation of “2″ (“nyan”) resembles the sound of a cat’s meow.
In addition to World Cat Day, South Korea also celebrates “Mugunghwa Day” on August 8, symbolizing the nation’s flower, the hibiscus, and representing the idea of endless growth and renewal, inspired by the infinity symbol created by the number 8.
One common misconception about cats is that their independent nature means they feel less loneliness. However, even street cats enjoy socializing, and it is quite common for indoor cats to experience loneliness as well. The cat in the photo is named Manju. (Photo courtesy of the reader)
Despite growing interest in cats, many people still lack basic knowledge about them. To address this, the following common questions about cat care are clarified:
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Where should I adopt a cat?
You can adopt from private homes or shelters. In South Korea, breeds like Siamese, Persian, and Russian Blue are popular, while the Korean Shorthair, often considered a street cat, is also in demand. It’s important to consider the long lifespan of cats (up to 20 years) and research potential genetic issues before adopting. -
How much does it cost to own a cat?
The first year can be expensive, with costs for vaccinations, neutering, and necessary supplies like food, scratching posts, and litter boxes. Veterinary expenses also need to be considered as pets are not covered by health insurance. -
Can I adopt a kitten I found on the street?
It’s best to observe the kitten for a while to ensure the mother is not nearby. If the mother doesn’t return after a few days, it’s okay to adopt the kitten. -
Should I walk my cat?
Cats are territorial animals and are generally not suited for walks. They can get stressed by unfamiliar environments and may be at risk of infections or accidents. It’s safer to keep them indoors. -
Do cats get lonely?
While cats are more independent than dogs, they can still experience loneliness, especially when left alone for long periods. They need interaction, affection, and play to maintain their emotional well-being. -
Can I feed my cat dog food?
No, cats have specific nutritional needs, such as taurine and arachidonic acid, which are not present in dog food. Feeding cats dog food long-term can cause health issues. -
Can I give my cat regular milk?
Most cats are lactose intolerant, so regular milk can cause digestive issues. It’s better to give them specially formulated cat milk or lactase-free milk. -
Is neutering necessary?
Neutering is highly recommended as it prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces the risk of certain diseases, and improves overall health. It should be done when cats are young, ideally between 6 and 12 months. -
Do cats need baths?
Cats groom themselves and generally don’t need regular baths. However, if you do bathe them, use cat-specific shampoo and ensure the water is not too hot. Be cautious around their eyes and ears.
Cats love to play, and they particularly enjoy hiding in enclosed spaces. They especially like to enter boxes, as it makes them feel comfortable and secure. (Yonhap)
World Cat Day serves as a reminder to care for our feline companions and promote their welfare, while encouraging the adoption of stray cats and fostering a deeper understanding of cat care.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
