What is National Cat Lady Day?

National Cat Lady Day is held every year on April 19 in the United States. This day celebrates the special bond between women and their feline companions. It also challenges the old stereotype of the cat lady as lonely or eccentric, and redefines it as something strong, joyful, and full of love.

Whether someone shares a home with one cat or ten, National Cat Lady Day embraces their choice with pride. It’s a moment to honor compassion, loyalty, and the quiet beauty of living with cats.

History and Origin

National Cat Lady Day was created in 2017 by Susan Michals, the founder of CatCon. Her goal was to turn the label “cat lady” into something empowering instead of dismissive. For decades, women who loved cats were often ridiculed in media or seen as antisocial. This day aims to flip that script.

The movement started small, but quickly grew thanks to social media, cat adoption communities, and influencers who proudly identify as cat ladies. Today, the day is marked by campaigns from shelters, brands, and individuals who love and care for cats in all forms.

In recent years, the term “cat lady” has re-entered political debate in the United States. During the 2024 campaign season, Senator JD Vance, then running as Donald Trump’s vice-presidential pick, described Democratic leaders as “childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.” Trump defended the remark by saying that women understand what he meant. These statements sparked a wave of criticism and debate.

Many saw the insult as a direct attack on women without children, using cats as a stand-in for loneliness or failure. But instead of weakening the term, it gave it new power. Public figures including Taylor Swift began using the term with pride. She ended a political endorsement on social media with the signature: “childless cat lady, Taylor Swift.” What was meant as a stereotype became a symbol of independence, care, and personal choice.

Who participates in National Cat Lady Day?

• Cat lovers: Women (and men) who proudly share their homes with cats.
• Animal shelters: Promote cat adoption and highlight the joy of feline companionship.
• Pet brands and shops: Offer cat-themed products or special discounts.
• Artists and creators: Share illustrations, memes, and poems about cats and cat ladies.
• Online communities: Celebrate through hashtags, videos, and digital meetups.

Slogans and Themes

Slogans like “Proud to Be a Cat Lady,” “Feline Fine,” and “Embrace the Purr” reflect the heart of the day. It’s about ownership, joy, and companionship ; not shame or loneliness. The themes each year often focus on self-love, rescue awareness, and the simple magic of living with cats.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

Colors

• Pink: Represents care, softness, and affection.
• Gray: A nod to many domestic cats and quiet elegance.
• Gold: Symbolizes the special value of the human-cat bond.

Symbols

• Cat ears and whiskers: Playful nods to feline features.
• Paw prints: Represent love that leaves a mark.
• Heart shapes: Emphasize the emotional bond between people and pets.

Patterns

• Yarn ball designs: Symbolize play and comfort.
• Fishbone patterns: Add a light, humorous touch.
• Fur textures: Used in decor or apparel to echo cat themes.

Most Used Hashtags

• #NationalCatLadyDay
• #CatLadyPride
• #FelineFriendship
• #PurrfectMatch
• #CatsAreFamily

How do you celebrate National Cat Lady Day?

• Adopt or foster: Offer a safe home to a cat in need.
• Volunteer locally: Help out at an animal shelter or donate supplies.
• Celebrate with friends: Host a cat-themed party or online gathering.
• Share your story: Post about your cat or your journey as a cat owner.
• Spoil your cat: Buy a new toy, bake a treat, or give extra cuddles.

Why is National Cat Lady Day important?

National Cat Lady Day reminds people that being a cat lover is something to be proud of. It pushes back against unfair stereotypes and lifts up a community built on love, care, and companionship. It also supports the work of shelters and highlights how rewarding cat adoption can be.

National Cat Lady Day stands not only for cat lovers but also for all women who refuse to be defined by outdated roles. It celebrates the right to choose your own path, with or without cats, with or without children, and to live it with pride.