August 8th : International Cat Day

Representational Image by: Salon Website

One of the famous quotes by renowned late US writer Mr. William S. Burroughs says: "My relationships with my cats has saved me from a deadly, pervasive ignorance". Today 8th August is marked as International Cat Day, created in the year 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, one of the largest animal welfare & charities in the world.  This day is about the recognition and veneration for cats. The day came into existence in the year 2002 by efforts by IFAW including support from some other animal legal rights groups such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a non profit NGO dedicated to prevent cruelty against animals. The festivities of the International Cat Day is all about to cheer & raise consciousness concerning cats around the globe. 

As we mark a day honoiring cats it is important that we know some "must know" facts regarding this animal. First of all, a male cat is called a tom, a female cat is called a molly or queen while young cats are called kittens. According to the statistics of animal rights groups, there are more than 500 million domestic cats in the world, with approximately 40 recognized breeds. Recent studies also reveals that both humans and cats have identical regions in their brains that are responsible for emotions. This animal which spends 2/3 of every day sleeping, aren't interested in sweet stuff because of a defect in the gene that codes for part of the mammalian sweet taste receptor.

As today is marked as International Cat Day, around the world countries are celebrating & honoring this animal by opening cat shops, parks for walking, sewing fashionable cloths and prepare delicious meals . For centuries cats have been valued by humans for companionship, so let us raise the awareness & show mercy towards this feline friend on this day.