Top nine ways to celebrate National Kitten Day

National Kitten Day is fast approaching, and it's the purr-fect opportunity to shower those adorable balls of fluff with love and celebrate their endless capacity for joy. 

Whether you're a parent of newborn kittens or an adult cat, a pet store owner, or simply smitten by feline cuteness, this article is packed with nine creative ways to make National Kitten Day truly 'paw'some!

• National Kitten Day is celebrated on July 10th annually. It promotes the adoption of homeless kittens, supports animal shelters, and encourages extra love and care for kittens globally.

• From custom print on demand merchandise to organizing kitten-themed parties, there are various ways to make National Kitten Day special. Activities like adopting kittens, hosting photoshoots, and baking cat-shaped treats add to the fun.

• National Kitten Day encourages volunteering at animal shelters, donating to cat charities, and sponsoring kitten adoption fees to help homeless animals. It's also an opportunity to support these organizations by raising awareness and advocating for adoption.

• Utilize Gelato's user-friendly print on demand service to create personalized, high-quality merchandise featuring your kitten, enhancing your celebration with custom-designed t-shirts, mugs, and more.

National Kitten Day is celebrated on July 10th every year. It's a day to raise awareness about abandoned kittens in need of loving homes and, hence, their adoption, supporting shelters and rescues, and, most importantly, showering our beloved feline companions with extra love and attention. 

In 2012, American animal advocate, lover, behaviorist, and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige founded National Kitten Day, supported by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit pet adoption organization. 

The purpose of this day is to show people how kittens can bring joy and happiness into our lives. Since then, it's become a global phenomenon, bringing together cat enthusiasts worldwide to celebrate the joy these furry companions bring to our lives.

Now, let's learn the creative ways to celebrate this day, taking your National Kitten Day experience up a notch! 

1. Create custom print on demand merchandise featuring your kitten

National Kitten Day gives you a great opportunity to celebrate your feline friend in style! Unleash your inner artist and create one-of-a-kind merchandise that showcases your love for your adorable companion. Thanks to user-friendly print on demand services like Gelato, you can easily personalize a wide range of products, transforming them into 'paw'some keepsakes.

Here's how to get started:

• Gather your supplies: You'll need a high-resolution photo of your kitten and a vision for your design. Don't worry if you're not a professional graphic designer – most print on demand platforms offer user-friendly design tools.

• Choose your product: Gelato offers a wide variety of customizable items, from classic t-shirts and mugs to phone cases, tote bags, and even notebooks! Think about what you'd like to create – a comfy t-shirt to wear with pride, a mug for your morning coffee fix, or a tote bag to carry your cat supplies in style.

• Design time! Upload your high-resolution photo of your kitten to the platform's design studio. Most platforms allow you to add text, choose fonts, and play around with the layout to create a truly personalized design. Get creative!

Here are some inspiring ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Take a close-up photo of your kitten's adorable face paired with a playful slogan like "Warning: May Cause Excessive Cuteness" or "Chief Cuddler Officer."

• Create a collage of your kitten's most hilarious antics, making a statement piece on a t-shirt or tote bag.

• Use a minimalist design featuring your kitten's silhouette on a sleek phone case.

2. Spend quality time with your cat

Other than creating personalized merchandise, unwinding with your feline friend can be the perfect way to celebrate National Kitten Day. Kittens are playful creatures, and investing time in interactive activities can really boost your bond. 

Try a new game or bring out their favorite toys, letting your kitten chase, pounce, and leap to their heart's content. Alternatively, you can attempt some gentle grooming, which not only helps maintain the kitten's coat but also creates a relaxing, comforting routine. 

Reading up on kitten care is also an excellent idea, prompting insights on what delights your furry friend and how you can uplift their health and happiness. 

Each moment can be filled with love, cuddles, and laughter, making this day truly special. So, on National Kitten Day, put your daily routines aside, bask in the joy of your kitten's company, and create fond moments of companionship.

3. Adopt or foster a kitten

National Kitten Day isn't just about celebrating fluffy cuteness; it's also a prime opportunity to consider opening your heart and home to a deserving kitten in need. Many shelters and rescues are overflowing with adorable felines waiting for their forever families. By choosing to adopt or foster a kitten, you'll:

• Give a kitten a second chance: Shelters and rescues care for countless abandoned, surrendered, or orphaned kittens. Adoption provides these precious creatures with a loving home, veterinary care, and the chance to thrive in a safe environment.

• Get the joy of feline companionship: Cats bring a unique kind of love and companionship into our lives. Their playful antics, soothing purrs, and independent spirit can provide endless entertainment, comfort, and stress relief.

• Reduce shelter overcrowding: By choosing adoption, you're helping to alleviate the strain on shelters and rescues that are often at capacity. This allows them to continue their vital work of rescuing and caring for homeless animals.

4. Host a kitten-themed party with friends and their pets

There's no party like a kitten party because kitten parties are absolutely adorable! To honor National Kitten Day, you can host a captivating get-together, inviting your friends and their beloved pets. 

Decorations could range from cat face balloons to kitten-themed party hats. Moreover, for added amusement, you could have kitten-approved games that both cat owners and their pets can enjoy together. What about a fancy-dress competition with a feline theme? Now that's a purr-fect idea! 

This party isn't just about fun but also about spreading awareness about the love and care these precious felines deserve. To promote this message, consider inviting a local shelter representative to talk about adoption and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

5. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue

National Kitten Day is an ideal chance to give back to organizations dedicated to caring for homeless animals. Think about spending some time as a volunteer at a local animal shelter. 

Let's see how your help can create a positive impact:

• Socialize kittens: Many kittens in shelters haven't had extensive human interaction. Spending time playing with them, petting them gently, and simply offering them your presence can significantly contribute to their socialization and well-being.

• Assist with care: Shelters rely on volunteers to help with various tasks, such as cleaning cages, feeding animals, and assisting with administrative duties. Even a few hours of your time can free up staff to focus on other crucial aspects of animal care.

• Advocate for adoption: Shelters often hold adoption events where volunteers can interact with potential adopters and answer their questions. Your passion for cats can be instrumental in helping these kittens find their forever homes.

6. Bake cat-shaped treats

Get creative in the kitchen and whip up a batch of delicious homemade cat treats for National Kitten Day. This thoughtful gesture is sure to be appreciated by your feline friend and is a fun activity for the whole family (with adult supervision, of course!). Here's what to keep in mind:

• Certain human foods are toxic to cats, so ensure you use recipes specifically formulated for feline consumption. Ingredients like cooked chicken, tuna, and pumpkin are generally safe and well-loved by cats.

• Even homemade treats should be given in moderation. Consult your veterinarian regarding appropriate portion sizes based on your cat's age and activity level.

• Cats are visual creatures. Take the time to bake treats into fun shapes or arrange them attractively on a plate. This will not only entice your cat but also add a touch of whimsy to your National Kitten Day celebration.

If you have kids, get them involved in the baking process to double the fun. They'll enjoy helping you shape the dough into fun shapes like paw prints or hearts, making the treats even more special for your feline friend.

7. Organize a photo shoot for your kitten

Bring out the inner diva in your kitten with a fun and creative photoshoot! Not only will this activity create endearing and memorable moments, it can also serve as rich content for your social media platforms. 

• Prepare the scene: Firstly, pick a comfortable and safe space in your home to set the stage for your kitten. Make sure this area is free of any dangerous objects or big distractions. Bring in your kitten's favorite toys and cozy blankets, and create photogenic pile-ups.

• Lighting is key: For the best results, opt for natural lighting whenever possible. Take photos during the day when the sun is bright but not harsh. Use a camera with a good exposure and white balance to capture a more natural look.

• Strike a pose: Click pictures when your kitten is in action. You might catch your kitten playing, yawning, stretching, or grooming – each of these activities makes for captivating photos that truly reflect your kitten's personality.

• Stay patient: Remember, the star of your shoot may not always cooperate, so patience is key. Let your kitten be comfortable and try to capture their natural behavior for the most authentic and charming pictures.

• Share the love: After you’ve captured your purr-furred images, share them online using hashtags like #NationalKittenDay to spread joy with fellow cat enthusiasts.

8. Donate to a cat charity or sponsor a kitten's adoption fees

On National Kitten Day, make a meaningful contribution to the well-being of kittens in need by donating to a reputable cat charity. Numerous organizations are dedicated to rescuing homeless cats, providing them with veterinary care, and advocating for their welfare. Your donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference in the lives of these animals.

Going a step further, consider sponsoring a kitten's adoption fees. This act of generosity directly removes a financial barrier for potential adopters, increasing the chances of a particular kitten finding their forever home.

9. Watch cat videos or movies with famous feline characters

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate National Kitten Day is to simply revel in the joy that these fluffy fur creatures bring. Curl up on the couch with your feline companion and indulge in some lighthearted entertainment. 

From hilarious cat compilation videos that have taken the internet by storm to classic movies featuring iconic feline characters like Garfield or the Cheshire Cat, there's an abundance of options to keep you and your cat entertained.

National Kitten Day is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by showering your furry friend (or the adorable kittens at your local shelter) with love and, of course, some 'paw'some personalized merchandise! This is where Gelato steps in, offering a user-friendly print on demand service that allows you to unleash your inner cat person and design truly unique keepsakes.

Here's how Gelato can help you elevate your National Kitten Day festivities:

• Unleash your creativity: Gelato's user-friendly platform empowers you with the Personalization Studio to design and personalize a wide range of products. Upload a high-resolution photo of your kitten, add playful text or graphics, and customize the layout to create truly one-of-a-kind keepsakes.

• High-quality products: Gelato uses state-of-the-art printing technology and premium materials to ensure your custom-designed products are vibrant, durable, and comfortable to wear or use. From classic t-shirts and mugs to phone cases, tote bags, and even calendars, Gelato offers a vast selection of customizable products.

So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the spirit of National Kitten Day and get creative with Gelato's print on demand services. Sign up today and subscribe to one of our affordable plans to unlock special discounts!