International Cat Day is a special day dedicated to celebrating cats and promoting their well-being. Observed on August 8th, it was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to raise awareness about cats, their needs, and the issues they face. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for cats, whether they are pets, strays, or feral.
On International Cat Day, cat lovers around the world engage in various activities to honor their feline companions. These activities can include adopting cats from shelters, volunteering at animal rescue organizations, educating others about proper cat care, and simply spending extra quality time with their own cats. International Cat Day is the perfect opportunity to show our feline friends just how much we appreciate their unique charm and companionship. Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or a new enthusiast, celebrating this special day with some creative DIY projects can add an extra touch of joy to you and your cat’s life!
DIY CAT TOYS
Poly-Fil Fiber Fill has long been the top choice for crafters, so it’s no surprise that so many makers use it in their DIY cat toy projects! A unique process explodes the special blend of 100% polyester fibers, creating an extraordinary resilience that maintains its integrity through laundering, so you can confidently wash your handmade cat toys again and again. You can easily add a bit of catnip to your Poly-Fil Fiber Fill to make an utterly irresistible toy for your feline friend!
Catnip Presents Tutorial by Dream a Little Bigger
This cat present is literally shaped like a present! Your kitty won’t be able to unwrap this gift, but they won’t care because it will be much more fun to bat it all over the house instead.
Cat String Toy Extravaganza from Joy the Baker
This adorable DIY cat gift takes the humble feather toy up several notches! Joy the Baker combines three things cats love into one spectacular project!
This easy to make project includes tips on how to ensure that your DIY cat toys are as safe as possible for your feline friend!
Another fun option for DIY cat toys is to use Oly-Fun fabric instead of felt or cotton fabric! Oly-Fun is a non-woven fabric that doesn’t fray, and you can die cut it, glue it, or draw on it! It’s perfect for crafting pom poms and crinkle toys that cats will love.
Crinkle Pom Pom Cat Toys from Dream a Little Bigger
A fun alternative to a ball or plush toy, this crinkle pom pom is something cat’s will have fun batting and chasing all over the house!
Junk Food Cat Toys by A Beautiful Mess
These adorable little DIY cat toys look like junk food! Making them with vibrantly colored Oly-Fun fabric will only “up” the cuteness factor!
CAT TOYS FOR YOU
These DIY projects are perfect for creating a replica of your cat friend. Or if you don’t have a cat, make one to show your appreciation for these fine pets! These would also be great projects to make and sell to raise funds for cat rescues on International Cat Day.
Weighted Crochet Snuggle Cat by Jen Hayes Creations
This adorable amigurumi cat is both snuggly and stable thanks to Poly-Fil Fiber Fill and Poly-Pellets Weighted Stuffing Beads.
Use this free pattern to craft a cute kitty that will always keep an eye on you! You can easily turn it into a weighted plush by following these simple steps.
CAT THEMED DECOR
Decorate any room with cats by following these adorable tutorials! Fairfield World offers pillow inserts in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, so you’ll easily find exactly what you need to create cat themed pillows.
Kitty Cat Pillows by Lu Loves Handmade
These pillows are the cat’s meow! Use fabric paint to create your own pattern or cat face, then sew a custom pillow design.
No Sew Cat Pillows by Hands Awake
How cute is this cat silhouette pillow? The tutorial shares a no sew version, but you can always sew it if that’s your preference!
Kid’s Craft Cat Pillow from American Girl Fan
This sweet project is great for kids because you can use glue to assemble it! Start with a blank pillow cover, create the adorable cat face, and then pop in a square pillow insert to finish it off!
PURRFECT QUILTS
The only thing better than a cat cuddled up on your lap might be a cozy cat themed quilt that you and kitty can snuggle on together! If you or your cat has sensitive skin, Fairfield World’s Organic Cotton Quilt Batting is a great option to use. This batting is extra clean to eliminate seeds, stems and leaves, which is perfect for allergy suffers.
Kitty Cat’s Quilt by Cluck Cluck Sew
This quilt is absolutely purrrrfect! From the vibrantly colored cat silhouettes to the kitty fabric backing, this project will brighten any space!
Hipster Cat Quilt Free Pattern from Shwin and Shwin
This design just makes me smile. The tutorial for this cute cat quilt project comes with a free pattern and complete instructions.
Remember, every day is an opportunity to celebrate and care for our cats. Whether it’s through thoughtful crafts, extra cuddles, or simply being present, our efforts make a significant difference in their happiness and well-being. We hope these DIY projects have inspired you to continue finding creative ways to enrich your cat’s life. Happy International Cat Day to you and your beloved feline friend!