1. Adopt a cat 
I adopted my Rio about 7 years ago as an adult cat, she was approximately 8 years old. I would never have it any other way; I always recommend adopting if you can, it is so rewarding. Estimates reveal that there are approximately 4 million cats entering shelters every year with 1-2 million being euthanized. The whole idea of National Cat Day is to raise awareness of this and the best way I could think to celebrate is to adopt a cat or kitten.

The greatest gift of is all love and support you can give a homeless cat. Please bare in mind that older cats have a harder time finding homes, because everybody wants the cute kittens. Just think – older cats are already litter trained and are generally much more calm than kittens, and you will likely see the personality already. Similarly, black cats are less likely to be adopted than cats with brighter fur colourings; but black cats are awesome too!

2. Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Consider giving a few hours of your time to a local shelter. Call some local ones to see when and how you can help, and bring your skills with you to volunteer at a local animal shelter. Usually cleaning cat areas and some socialising can be done, and is much needed. If you have a little more time to give you could get involved with cat transport to and from the vet maybe, or giving regular time for helping with the daily routine a shelter may have. I began by helping with some socialising and transporting a little black kitten called Spyder to the adoption centre, after having been trapped as a stray.

3. Donate to a local animal shelter.
Unsurprisingly animal shelters are often short on resources, so every little bit can help them. You cold donate food, bedding and medical care for the animals they take in. These days you may find your favourite shelter advertising a shopping list on amazon, from which you can very easily pick the items they really need to be send direct to the shelter.

4. Watch cat videos on YouTube.
Who doesn’t love watching “funny cat videos”. Cats seem to have a special knack for entertaining and cat videos populate YouTube in the millions. If you have a cat you can also search specifically for videos for cats; these are often of birds of squirrels, or contain sounds that would appeals to cats. Take care and watch your cat though, in case he or she exhibits signs of stress – at not being able to catch the bird or if they hear food tins opening they could be distressed at then not being fed.

Celebrate National Cat Day by watching, or watching with your cat. Maybe make a cat video playlist to share with your friends and family.

Not a big cat person? There are also tons of videos co-starring cats and dogs, cats and hedgehogs, cats and babies, cats and—you name it.

5. Make your own cat video.
Why not add your own video to the millions on YouTube?
If your cat has a special talent, certain trait, or is just plain cute, you can make him or her the star of their own short video. Use your phone’s video camera to capture the moment, and then post. Below is a video I made of my cat watching our resident squirrel (we live on the fourth floor):

Rio meets a Squirrel on the balcony!

Be sure to share your video with everyone you know—and don’t forget to wish them a Happy National Cat Day!

6. Stock up on catnip.
What better reason to be indulgent with your feline roommate than a national holiday in her honor? If your cat enjoys catnip, give her a dose on October 29.
You might even be able to get a better YouTube video while she’s high on life—er, nine lives.

7. Bring home a shiny new toy.
Whether it’s the vehicle for catnip delivery, a seductive feather on a string, or something cuddly, your cat will love getting a new toy on National Cat Day. Spend some extra time playing with him and the new toy, and he’ll wonder how every day can become a cat holiday.

8. Schedule a dinner date.
Many restaurants allow you to bring your pets if you sit outside with them. Especially if your cat is OK with being on a leash, bring her along for an al fresco dining experience at a low-key local eatery. Bring along some grub for your cat, or call ahead to see if the restaurant has special cat fare in stock.

Before you go, think of ways to be sure the adventure isn’t too stressful. Check out some of our tips for minimizing the stress of a visit to the vet: those tips also apply to taking your cat out on the town.

9. Take your cat for a walk.
Here’s another idea for leash-trained felines: head out to a park for a pleasant autumn walk with your cat. He’ll enjoy the foray into “nature,” and you can enjoy spending some time watching him frolic outdoors.

Just don’t head too far onto the wild side. Keep watch for wildlife and dogs that might scare or attack your cat. Also be careful of areas with too much activity or too many people.

After all, you want this to be a serene outing for the two of you, not a one-way ticket to stressville for your cat.

10. Check in for a weekend getaway.
Do you really want to pamper your cat this National Cat Day? Then look into options at a cat-friendly hotel, either somewhere close to home or a day trip or farther away.

Some hotels specialize in cat visitors and offer specific packages for cats and their owners. Higher-end boutique hotels that cater to cats also have all-inclusive deals to pamper the felines and their human friends.