Cat Day is celebrated on three occasions throughout the year, with the most popular in Argentina being February 20 in honor of Socks, the cat of Bill Clinton's family. This feline won the affection of many during the 1990s. Other dates dedicated to cats are August 8, designated by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and October 29, promoted in the United States to encourage the adoption of these animals.
In this context, February 20 commemorates the death of Socks, the iconic cat of the 90s, whose legacy has significantly influenced the perception of these animals. The date is also notable for being National Cat Day in the United States, partly thanks to Colleen Paige, a feline behavior expert, who seeks to raise awareness about the abandonment of cats on the streets.
To address this issue, several solutions are proposed such as adopting abandoned cats, thinking carefully before acquiring a pet, sterilizing animals, and microchipping them to prevent loss. Socks, the famous White House cat, became an icon by appearing at public events and even having his own fan club and website.
February 20 was designated as Cat Day in honor of Socks after his death in 2009 due to throat cancer. Collaboration between the International Fund for Animal Welfare and internet users drove this initiative globally. Another occasion to celebrate felines is August 8, a date established by the same fund in 2002 to promote the rights of these animals, coinciding with a period of high fertility in the northern hemisphere, where there is an increase in feline activity due to climatic conditions.
