When Is National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day? 2026 Update

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Origins Vet Tips Ways To Celebrate It Othe Dates to Celebrate Your Kitty

Our lives can be so busy that we often don’t even have the time to provide ourselves with the level of self-care that we should, let alone our precious feline. We’re not talking about neglecting illness or injury; that’s different and requires immediate action without a second thought.

But how about that eye that’s been slightly weepy for a couple of months, or maybe you’ve noticed them scratching a little more than usual? Perhaps you’re overdue for shots or haven’t made that appointment to sterilize your cat.

If you need that little nudge to take action and are reading this, this is it! National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day is an excellent reminder to those of us whose lives tend to get away from us that our cats also need regular checkups. This important day takes place every year on the 22^nd of August.

How Did It First Come About?

National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day (sometimes also referred to as National Bring Your Cat To The Vet Day) was started back in 2009 by the American Association of Feline Practitioners. It was implemented mainly because less than half of cat owners schedule an annual vet checkup for their kitties. It is reported that of the 83% ¹ of cats taken to the vet in their first year of ownership, less than half ever return.

Peculiarly, this figure is significantly higher for cats than it is for dogs. For unclear reasons, pet dogs receive more regular veterinary attention through routine checkups than cats do.

veterinarian checking a siamese cat at the clinic — Photo by: Nejron Photo, Shutterstock

When Should I Take My Cat to The Vet?

Cats are naturally resilient creatures that tend to get on with life, even with a health concern. They’re so stoical that it might take a few days of indecision before you decide that something is amiss with them. Even then, you may be tempted to let it go since your cat is not distressed.

The truth is that some of these minor irritations that cause little to no distress to your precious cat could be the precursors to something more sinister. Your vet might be able to halt the progression of a condition that may have ended up causing your kitty pain and distress, or worse still, death.

Even if your kitty is a beacon of never-ending good health, you should schedule an annual checkup for them.

The 6 Ways To Celebrate National Take Your Cat to The Vet Day

If you’re looking for inspiration on commemorating this inspiring day, here are a few ideas. You don’t need to be a cat owner to implement some of them.

1. Annual Checkup

The most obvious way, and the reason for the day's existence in the first place, is to schedule your kitty for an annual checkup. Even if they are seemingly in perfect health, have your veterinarian give them a check-up.

2. Vaccinations

Is your kitty up to date on all their shots? Take your cat for any vaccinations or booster shots they may require. Rabies, in particular, is a deadly disease for animals and humans. Vaccinating against this disease can save lives and should not be neglected.

Vet administering a vaccine on a gray cat — Photo Credit: Jumpstory

3. Sterilization

If you are not planning to breed your kitty, having them neutered or spayed is a good idea to avoid any unplanned kittens.

4. Microchip

Microchipping is an effective means of identification that your cat can’t lose. There’s nothing more heartbreaking than having a beloved pet go missing. Consider microchipping your kitty so that you have a better chance of being reunited if they ever go missing.

cat microchip check by vet — Photo Credit: Lucky Business, Shutterstock

5. Raise Awareness

Raise awareness amongst cat owners about the importance of annual veterinary checkups by talking about it and posting on social media using #Cat2VetDay.

6. Volunteer

If you don’t yet have a kitty to dote on, you could spend time volunteering at a local shelter. In this way, you can contribute to the happiness and well-being of somebody’s future beloved cat.

cat and female volunteer — Image Credit: Evgeny Bakhchev, Shutterstock

Need A Few More Excuses to Celebrate Your Kitty?

If you’ve only just discovered National Take Your Cat To The Vet Day and were wondering if any other days are dedicated to kitty love, you’re in luck! There are several days that have been earmarked for celebrating all things feline. Some of these highlight serious issues, and some are just for fun. Take a look at these days that you can add to your calendar as a reminder to shower that special cat in your life with even more love:

March 2: International Rescue Cat Day
March 23: Cuddly Kitten Day
April 19: National Cat Lady Day
April 26: National Hairball Awareness Day
April 30: National Tabby Day
June: National Adopt a Cat Month
June 4: National Hug Your Cat Day
September: Happy Cat Month
September 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
October 16: National Feral Cat Day
October 29: National Cat Day
December: National Cat Lovers Month
December 15: National Cat Herder’s Day

Final Thoughts

Like other pets and even ourselves, cats need an annual checkup from their healthcare provider. We know that our lives can be hectic, and our time is in short supply, especially when scheduling activities that may seem unnecessary.

However, there are many instances when a routine checkup has flagged a developing health condition. Early detection has resulted in the implementation of effective and, in some cases, life-saving treatment. Just a couple of hours out of your life each year could help prevent unnecessary trauma and heartache.