International Cat Day: The Day Latte Found His Forever Home

Sometimes the best things in life arrive with whiskers.

Every August 8, cat lovers around the world celebrate International Cat Day—a day dedicated to appreciating the wonderfully independent, endlessly entertaining and occasionally exasperating creatures who have somehow convinced us that our homes belong to them.

But International Cat Day has an extra-special meaning for me.

It’s the day I adopted Latte.

A Cat Named After Coffee

Latte came into my life on International Cat Day, which seems wonderfully appropriate in hindsight.

And yes, he was named after an Italian coffee. Because if you're going to welcome a new cat into your home, why not give him a name that evokes two of life's greatest comforts: cats and coffee?

He was a feral cat, a stray, who was suffering greatly from an upper respiratory infection and Giardia. After several weeks of intermittent hospitalizations, he became a part of life and my heart in a way that only a cat mom would understand. His personality is mischievous and loving. He loves to cuddle. And I think they invented treats with him in mind.

Of course, anyone who has ever adopted a cat knows that the story rarely ends with you rescuing them.

Somewhere along the way, they rescue you right back. Latte became part of my home, my routines and eventually the inspiration behind a brand where cats aren't simply pets—they're part of the family.

Cats Have a Way of Making a House Feel Like Home

There's something about sharing your home with a cat that changes it. Suddenly, the sunny spot on the floor has an owner. The cardboard box is more interesting than whatever expensive thing arrived inside it. Your favorite chair becomes our favorite chair.

And there is almost certainly cat hair on something you were planning to wear. But cats also bring an unmistakable sense of comfort to a home.

They remind us to slow down. To find the warm spot. To stretch. To be curious. To play. To enjoy our surroundings. And perhaps most importantly, to never apologize for taking up a little space.

That spirit is woven throughout Comfort Diva.

Why Cats Are Part of the Comfort Diva Story

Comfort Diva was created around a simple idea: your home—and the things you surround yourself with—should make you happy.

We believe there is room in life for more whimsy, more personality and more joy.

And frankly, who understands that better than a cat?

Cats don't worry about whether something is too colorful, too cozy or a little ridiculous.

They simply know what they like. That's why you'll find cats popping up throughout our collections—from whimsical kitchen accessories and home décor to gifts designed for people who understand that being a "cat person" isn't just something you put in your Instagram bio.

It's a personality trait.

Celebrating Cats Means Helping Them, Too

International Cat Day is a wonderful excuse to spoil the cat currently sleeping on your sofa. But it's also an opportunity to remember the cats who are still waiting for their sofa.

Animal rescues and shelters do extraordinary work every day caring for abandoned, lost and vulnerable animals while helping them find safe and loving homes. That's why giving back has been part of the Comfort Diva mission.

We donate 10% of our sales to animal rescue organizations, helping support the people doing the work to give more animals the chance to find their own forever homes.

Every Comfort Diva purchase isn't simply about bringing a little more joy into your home. It's also one small way we can help create a happier ending for another animal.

Because somewhere out there, someone's future Latte may still be waiting.

How to Celebrate International Cat Day

There are plenty of ways to celebrate on August 8.

Give your cat some extra playtime. Donate supplies or money to a local rescue. Volunteer at a shelter. Foster an animal if your circumstances allow. Share an adoptable cat on social media—you never know whose future family might see it.

Or simply spend a few minutes appreciating the tiny creature who somehow became such a huge part of your life.

As for me?

I'll be celebrating the cat who arrived in my life on International Cat Day and earned a coffee-inspired name and a permanent place in my heart.

International Cat Day FAQs

How Did International Cat Day Start?

International Cat Day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) as a way to celebrate cats while raising awareness about their welfare and protection. Since 2020, custodianship of International Cat Day has been handled by International Cat Care, a global feline welfare organization.

When Is International Cat Day?

International Cat Day is celebrated every year on August 8. For many cat lovers, it's a day to celebrate the companionship cats bring to our lives while also drawing attention to cats in shelters, rescues and communities around the world.

How Do People Celebrate International Cat Day?

There isn't one official way to celebrate. Cat parents might give their feline family members a new toy or treat, spend extra time playing with them or—let's be realistic—allow them to enjoy exactly the same amount of pampering they receive every other day. It's also a great day to donate to an animal rescue, volunteer at a shelter, foster a cat or share adoptable cats on social media.

Are There Specific Events That Align With International Cat Day?

Animal shelters, rescue organizations, cat cafés and pet-focused businesses often hold adoption events, fundraisers and special promotions around International Cat Day. Events vary by community and year, so check with local shelters and rescue organizations to see what's happening near you. If you've been considering adoption, August can be an especially meaningful time to visit your local shelter and meet the cats looking for homes.

What Is the Difference Between International Cat Day and National Cat Day?

They're actually two different celebrations. International Cat Day is August 8 and has a global focus on celebrating cats and promoting feline welfare. In the United States, National Cat Day is October 29 and similarly encourages appreciation for cats and awareness of cats needing adoption. Which means cat people have an excellent excuse to celebrate twice.

How Can I Help Cats on International Cat Day If I Can't Adopt?

Adoption is only one way to help. You can donate money or supplies to a rescue, sponsor a shelter cat, volunteer, foster, share adoption posts or support businesses that give back to animal welfare organizations. Even sharing the photo of a cat looking for a home can help connect that animal with the right person.

Why Does Comfort Diva Give Back to Animal Rescues?

Cats are part of the heart of Comfort Diva, so we believe celebrating them should extend beyond the whimsical cat products we create. Comfort Diva donates 10% of sales to animal rescue organizations, helping support the people working to give vulnerable animals the care, safety and forever homes they deserve.

And sometimes those forever homes create pretty wonderful stories. After all, I adopted Latte on International Cat Day—and what began as one adoption became part of the story behind Comfort Diva.

Happy International Cat Day from Latte and all of us at Comfort Diva.

Here's to forever homes, happy cats and a little more comfort for everyone.