International Cat Day 2025

From a rescue called Kenny to cats around the world

Kenny our ginger rescue cat in the gardenThis International Cat Day, join us on a journey from our own rescued ginger whirlwind to the streets of Istanbul, the galleries of St Petersburg, and Japan’s islands ruled by cats. Along the way, discover feline traditions, surprising science, and the many ways cats inspire our lives and stories.

At Rockford’s Rock Opera, cats aren’t just a topic we write about, they’ve been part of our family. A few years ago, we rescued Kenny, a hyperactive ginger cat found living at our local rubbish dump after being abandoned. Rejected by three families for being “too mad,” he finally found a home with us. We cat-proofed the house, gave him time, and after several months, the change was stunning. Kenny now has the perfect family temperament, he’s affectionate, exceedingly tolerant of noise and kids, and a wonderful reminder that with love and patience, even the wildest rescues can thrive.

What is the 3-3-3 rule of cats?

Kenny’s story mirrors the 3-3-3 rule which is a helpful guide for understanding a rescue cat’s adjustment period:

  • 3 days to decompress – stress, hiding, and uncertainty are common.

  • 3 weeks to relax – routines and trust begin to form.

  • 3 months to fully settle in – bonding, comfort, and companionship shine through.

Every cat is different, but this rule reminds us that building trust takes time and compassion.

Cats scooping food from the islanders at the port. On Cat Island in Japan

Japan – The Beckoning Cat and the Island of Cats

The Maneki Neko, or “beckoning cat,” is a centuries-old Japanese lucky charm which can be found in shops, cafés, and homes across the country. Meanwhile, on Aoshima (one of Japan’s famous “cat islands”) feline residents far outnumber humans six to one in this fishing village, drawing tourists to wander among the sunbathing cats who once simply arrived to catch mice.

Hermitage Museum cat lounging outside the Winter Palace

Russia – The Guardians of the Hermitage

In St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, cats have been guarding priceless art for centuries. Their history is tied to the museum’s very foundation: Peter the Great brought the first cat to the Winter Palace to control the rodent population. Later, Catherine the Great formalised their role, naming them official “guards of the picture galleries.”

Today, these feline sentries still patrol the museum’s vast cellars, keeping unwanted visitors at bay. They are so cherished they have their own press secretary, and the museum hosts an annual celebration in their honour.

A group of stray cats at the upper entrance of Maçka Artist Park, Istanbul.Turkey – Cats of the Streets

In Istanbul, the city’s cats live like locals, not pets. They are seen roaming cafés, mosques, and markets with the collective care of the community. Tiny cat houses appear on doorsteps, food bowls grace sidewalks, and residents treat these felines as family. The city even embraces innovation: Pugedon vending machines dispense food and water to stray cats and dogs in exchange for recyclable plastic bottles – feeding furry citizens while helping the environment.

Why do cats knead?

Ever wondered why cats knead, or “make biscuits”? It’s a behaviour rooted in kittenhood, when kneading helps stimulate their mother’s milk. In adulthood, it’s a sign of comfort and affection. That gentle kneading, paired with purring, can soothe people too, lowering stress and even blood pressure. Cats really do have a natural way of calming us.

From living purrs to therapeutic robots

That soothing power is now being reimagined in technology. At a library in Australia’s Blue Mountains, therapeutic robot cats, complete with purrs, blinks, and gentle nuzzles, provide companionship to those who can’t own pets, such as older adults or people in care. These furry simulacra show how deep the human-cat bond runs.

Biomimicry: what have cats inspired?

A central theme of Lost on Infinity is biomimicry – found in how cat characteristics inspire innovation:

  • Cat’s-eye road studs, created from the gleam of feline eyes, guide drivers in the dark.

  • Whisker-inspired sensors help robots “feel” their way in low visibility.

  • Feline-eye cameras improve low-light imaging for drones and rescue tools.

  • Paw-pad inspired soles make footwear softer and quieter.

Cat photo to illustrate extinction article on Rockford's Rock Opera Children's Audiobook website.

Fascinating feline facts (and world records!)

Cats are endlessly surprising. A few gems to share:

  • They have an extra eyelid, called the haw, to protect and moisten their eyes.

  • Their “chattering” at birds? Possibly instinct, mimicry, or just quirky excitement.

  • Their stride — moving both right legs, then both left — is shared only with animals like giraffes.

  • They have whiskers on their front legs, too — helping them sense when catching prey.

cat with longest tail

Some have also made history in the Guinness World Records:

  • Pugsley the Maine Coon holds the record for the longest tail of a living domestic cat at 18.5 inches.

  • Oscar the rescue cat set the record for the longest horizontal jump by a cat — 8 feet 5 inches.

  • The oldest cat ever recorded,lived to an extraordinary 38 years and 3 days.

 

No cats on Infinity — but sabre-toothed cats, yes

In our story Lost on Infinity – the Island of Infinity is home to last one of every extinct species, so no domestic cats. But you can imagine sabre-toothed cats lurking in the margins of the story. They’re reminders of extinction’s permanence, and why we should act for living species.

Time to Play

This International Cat Day, make time every day to play with your cat. It’s not just entertainment, it keeps them physically active, sharpens their hunting instincts, and strengthens the bond you share. Even ten minutes of interactive play, like chasing a feather wand or pouncing on a toy mouse, can reduce boredom, ease stress, and keep them healthy. For your cat, playtime isn’t a luxury, it’s a vital part of a happy life.

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Tune In and Explore More with Rockford’s Rock Opera

Looking for stories and songs that bring the natural world to life? Join us on the “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast where we explore amazing examples of biomimicry and nature’s clever solutions to big problems.

Plus, download FREE lesson plans and slides on extinction, biomimicry, and more — perfect for families and educators who want to turn nature walks into learning adventures.

✨ The fully illustrated book of Lost on Infinity is OUT NOW! ✨

Available to buy in our shop and on Amazon. It includes free QR Code links to our award-winning audiobook, songs, and sound effects, so you can listen and read-along together.