The Purrfect Day To Celebrate Our Grey Feline Friends

Cats are beloved companions to many, and there are over 25 holidays throughout the year that celebrate our feline friends. These days are dedicated to raising awareness about cat health, welfare, and adoption, as well as celebrating the joy and love that cats bring to our lives. One such day is Grey Cat Appreciation Day, a day to appreciate and raise awareness for our sly and intelligent grey feline friends.

The history of grey cats

Grey cats, like all cats, are celebrated on International Cat Day, which falls on August 8. But there is no specific history of grey cats that I can find.

However, cats of all colours are celebrated throughout the year. For instance, National Cat Day is celebrated on different dates in different countries. In Italy, it falls on February 17, in Japan, it's February 22, in Russia, it's March 1, and in the UK, it's October 27. In the US and Canada, it's an awareness day to raise public awareness of cat adoption, taking place on August 8 in Canada and October 29 in the US.

There are also many other cat-related holidays throughout the year, including:

• National Pet Travel Safety Day on January 2
• National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14
• National Answer Your Cat's Question Day on January 23
• National Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day on January 29
• International Rescue Cat Day on March 2
• National Cat Day in Canada on August 8
• National Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17
• National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day on August 22
• National Garfield the Cat Day on June 19
• National Cat DNA Day on September 19

Famous grey cats

Grey cats have made their mark in popular culture, from literature to cartoons and comics. Here are some of the most famous grey felines:

Tom

The mischievous grey and white cat from the classic cartoon series "Tom and Jerry" is one of the most well-known cats in popular culture. With his full name being Thomas Jasper, Tom is the arch-nemesis of Jerry the mouse, who lives a life of luxury. Tom spends his days chasing Jerry and getting into all sorts of trouble, often eliciting sympathy from viewers.

Scratchy

The hapless grey cat from "The Simpsons" is always getting hurt by Itchy the mouse. Scratchy is a fun and humorous character, and the perfect namesake for cat owners with a good sense of humour.

Nermal

Nermal is the long-suffering cat friend of Garfield. Nermal claims to be the cutest kitten in the world and is constantly bullied or shipped off to Abu Dhabi by the orange tabby. Nermal is a great name for cat owners who want to pay homage to this beloved grey cat character.

Dorian (Gray)

Dorian Gray, the protagonist of Oscar Wilde's famous novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray", is known for his youthful beauty. The homonym for the colour grey in his last name makes Dorian a purr-fect name for handsome grey kittens.

Cinderella

Cinderella, the beloved fairy-tale heroine, is often associated with the colour grey due to the cinder-coloured dress she wears in the story. The name Cinderella is a charming choice for cat owners who see their feline as a true princess.

Earl (Grey)

Earl Grey, the name of a famous tea, is a fitting name for British shorthair cats. It's a clever and unique way to pay tribute to the famous beverage while also celebrating your grey cat's colouring.

Fun facts about grey cats

Grey cats are stunning, with their sleek and shiny coats, and their emerald, gold, or sapphire eyes. They are also known for their playful and curious nature, as well as their intelligence and sociability. But did you know that the colour grey is genetically a form of black?

The Genetics of Grey Cats

Despite the many different shades of grey, from dove to oyster, and even the deepest slate, all grey cats are genetically black. The dilution gene, which comes in two versions, full-colour and dilute, affects the density of fur pigment. The dilute version causes the pigment to be deposited unevenly, resulting in a washed-out or dusty look. When a cat with black genes gets two dilute genes, one from each parent, it becomes a solid grey.

The Many Breeds of Grey Cats

There are many breeds of cat that can be grey, including the Russian Blue, the Korat, the Chartreux, the Nebelung, the British Shorthair, the Persian, the Scottish Fold, the Sphynx, and the Domestic Shorthair.

The Russian Blue is long, slender, and muscular, with a plush and silky double coat. They are playful yet reserved and are very particular about cleanliness.

The Korat is one of the oldest and naturally purest breeds, with a blue-grey coat tipped in silver, giving it a phosphorous-like glow. They are social and attention-seeking, and they love to snuggle and play.

The Chartreux, often described as a "potato on toothpicks" due to its robust body and thin legs, has a dense and water-repellent blue-grey coat. They are born hunters but are also good-tempered, loyal, and quiet.

The Nebelung, an American breed, has a dense blue-grey coat and bright green eyes, similar to the Russian Blue, but with semi-long fur. They are mild-tempered, affectionate, and playful, and make devoted companions.

The British Shorthair, also known as the British Blue, has a crisp, plush, dense, and waterproof coat over a compact, cobby body. They are quiet and hesitant at first but will warm up to people once they get to know them.

The Persian, typically famous for its silky white coat, also comes in grey, known as the Blue Persian. This breed is very old and is thought to have originated from Turkish Angora cats crossed with other long-haired cats from Persia, Afghanistan, Burma, China, and Russia.

The Scottish Fold has plush, dense fur that can be short or long and is often grey. They are sweet and chill, with a sturdy, padded body, and are one of the most popular breeds in America and Europe.

The Sphynx cat is typically hairless but may have fine grey down on its body.

The Domestic Shorthair, also known as the moggy cat, mutt, or mixed breed, is the most common cat in the United States. They come in any size, shape, coat pattern, or colour, including solid grey, grey tabby, grey colourpoint, or grey tuxedo.

Grey Cats in Pop Culture

Grey cats have made their mark in popular culture as well. A grey tabby version of the British Shorthair played Professor McGonagall's feline alter-ego in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". Taylor Swift is also a fan of the Scottish Fold, owning two named Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson.

Why grey cats are awesome

Grey cats are awesome! These felines are known for their soft, sleek, and stunning coats, which can range from blue-grey to silver-tipped and even hairless. They come in a variety of breeds, including the Russian Blue, Korat, Chartreux, Nebelung, British Shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, and Sphynx. Each breed has its own unique characteristics, but many grey cats share common traits such as a laid-back, calm, and serene demeanor, as well as a playful and curious side.

One of the most recognisable grey cat breeds is the Russian Blue, known for its long, slender, and muscular build, with a blue-grey double coat that is plush and silky to the touch. Russian Blues are playful yet reserved and are known for their love of food, often requiring a self-cleaning litter box due to their nitpicky hygiene standards.

The Korat cat, one of the oldest and purest breeds, originates from Thailand and is known for its blue-grey coat tipped in silver, giving it a phosphorous-like glow. Korats are social and attention-seeking, loving to snuggle, play, and bond with their family. They are also said to be good companions for children.

Chartreux cats, on the other hand, are often described as looking like a "potato on toothpicks" due to their robust body and thin legs. They are born hunters, with a blue-grey coat that is dense and water-repellent. Chartreux cats are good-tempered, loyal, and quiet, and may even respond when called.

The Nebelung cat is often compared to the Russian Blue, with its dense blue-grey coat and semi-long fur accented by silver-tipped guard hairs. Nebelungs are mild-tempered, soft-spoken, affectionate, and playful, making them devoted and loyal companions.

British Shorthairs, once called the British Blue, have a crisp, plush, and dense coat over a compact, cobby body. They are known for their friendly and patient nature, especially with children, making them excellent additions to a family home.

Persians, while typically famous for their silky white coats, also come in grey, known as Blue Persians. This old breed is thought to have originated from Turkish Angora cats crossed with other long-haired cats from Persia, Afghanistan, Burma, China, and Russia. Persians are gentle and sweet-natured, preferring a calm atmosphere.

Scottish Folds have plush, dense fur that can be short or long and is often grey. These cats are popular in America and Europe for their sweet and chill disposition, and their unique ability to sit up like a human, coined as "the Buddha sit."

So, whether you're a fan of the Russian Blue, Korat, Chartreux, Nebelung, British Shorthair, Persian, Scottish Fold, Sphynx, or any other grey cat breed, there's no denying that grey cats are truly awesome!

How to celebrate on Cat Appreciation Day

There are over 25 holidays throughout the year that celebrate our feline friends, and while there isn't a specific day dedicated to grey cats, here are some ways you can celebrate Cat Appreciation Day:

Adopt a Cat

If you don't already have a cat, consider adopting one from a shelter. Cat Appreciation Day is all about raising awareness for cats in need of homes and showing them some extra love. By adopting a cat, you'll be providing a loving home to a furry friend who needs it.

Spoil Your Cat

Treat your cat to some extra special attention on this day. Buy them a new toy, a comfy bed, or some delicious treats. You can also cook them a special meal or give them some extra cuddles and playtime. If your cat enjoys dressing up, put them in a cute outfit!

Raise Awareness

Use the day to raise awareness about cat adoption and the importance of finding homes for shelter cats. Share information on social media about adoptable cats in your area, or donate to a local cat rescue organization. You can also volunteer your time to help care for cats in need.

Celebrate with Other Cat Lovers

Join or host a gathering with other cat enthusiasts. Share stories, exchange tips, and admire each other's cats. You can even have a cat-themed potluck or bake some cat-shaped treats for your human friends!

Take Your Cat to the Vet

While your cat may not enjoy this one, taking them for a check-up is an important part of responsible cat ownership. Make sure your furry friend is up to date on their vaccinations and get any health concerns addressed. It's also a good opportunity to discuss any behavioural issues or get advice on how to keep your cat happy and healthy.

Frequently asked questions