March 23rd is officially Cuddly Kitten Day—the perfect excuse (as if we needed one!) to shower your whiskered little bundle of fluff with all the snuggles, smooches, and string toys their heart desires. Whether you’ve got a curious little climber, a nap-obsessed fluffball, or a playful paw-swinger, today is all about honouring the cuteness overload that kittens bring into our lives.
So fluff up your pillows, prep the treats, and let’s paws for a moment to celebrate everything we love about kittens—and maybe even find one a loving forever home.
Why Do We Celebrate Cuddly Kitten Day?
While the exact origins of this adorable holiday remain a bit fuzzy (much like a kitten’s belly), Cuddly Kitten Day is all about recognising the joy, warmth, and wonder that kittens bring into our world. From their tiny toe beans to their squeaky meows, kittens remind us of innocence, play, and unconditional love.
In South Africa, where rescue shelters are filled with kittens longing for homes, this day is also the perfect chance to shine a spotlight on adoption and how we can all help give these little lives the second chances they deserve.
Adoption is the Cat’s Meow: Why Rescuing is Always the Right Choice
With so many kittens in shelters across South Africa, choosing to adopt instead of shop is one of the kindest things you can do. Every kitten adopted means one fewer left waiting in a rescue, and it helps break the cycle of overpopulation and irresponsible breeding.
Here’s why adoption is always the better choice:
• Save a life: You give a homeless kitten a loving future.
• Health checked: Most rescues vaccinate, deworm, and sterilise before adoption.
• Support local shelters: Your adoption fee helps other animals in need.
• Unmatched love: Rescue kittens have a way of knowing they’ve been saved—get ready for cuddles and devotion galore.
Looking to adopt? Reach out to local shelters like TEARS Animal Rescue, Kitty and Puppy Haven, Animal Welfare Society SA, Lucky Lucy Foundation, Castaways Animal Welfare, or your nearest SPCA branch. Hop online to read all about Petworld’s welfare partners and the meaningful work they are doing.
New Kitten? Pawsome Tips for First-Time Pawrents
Bringing a kitten home is a bit like living with a toddler… with claws. Here’s how to make sure your new fur baby settles in safely and happily:
Create a Safe Space
Set up a quiet corner with a comfy bed, litter box, food, water, and a scratching post. Let them explore at their own pace. Try the Flamingo Trini Taupe Cat Toilet (39 x 55 x 41cm) for a complete, fuss-free setup.
Vet Visit is Vital
Get your kitten checked by a vet within the first week. Vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and advice on sterilisation are all part of responsible kitten parenting.
Little Tummies, Big Appetites
Feed a high-quality, nutrient-rich kitten food to support healthy growth and brain development. We recommend:
• https://petworld.co.za/products/royal-canin-feline-nutrition-kitten-dry-cat-food
• Montego Karoo Kitten Chicken & Lamb Dry
• Acana First Feast Kitten Recipe Dry
• Montego Classic Kitten Chicken Dry
• Farmina N&D Prime Kitten Chicken & Pomegranate Dry
Litter Training 101
Most kittens take to litter boxes naturally. Keep it clean, placed in a quiet spot, and consider something like Complete Pet Deodorising Powder Cat Litter 500g for extra ease.
Socialisation is Key
Gently expose your kitten to new people, soft sounds, and safe home spaces. Handle them often and with patience—it builds trust and confidence.
Let’s Play: Kitten Games That’ll Make You Both Pounce with Joy
Kittens are bursting with curiosity and energy, and play is essential to their development. Here are some purrfect play ideas:
• Feather wands and teaser toys like the Flamingo Rodney Dangler Clown Fish Cat Toy 41cm to simulate hunting fun.
• Crinkly tunnels and cardboard box forts create safe spaces to zoom and hide.
• Laser pointers keep them active (just be sure to let them “catch” something—try Flamingo Laser Pointer Mouse.
• Interactive toys like Marltons Cat Activity Toy 8.5X8.5X11cm turn playtime into a multi-dimensional adventure.
Keep sessions short, fun, and frequent. Kittens tire quickly—and then it’s nap o’clock.
Can I Give My Kitten Catnip?
Great question! Most kittens under 6 months old won’t react to catnip at all. Their brains aren’t mature enough to respond to nepetalactone, the compound that gives adult cats that blissed-out buzz.
It’s completely safe if they nibble on it, but they’re more likely to enjoy catnip as they get a little older. Invest is a long-term catnip option like a Feline Flair Clawsome Luxuary Double Condo Catnip Infused Cat Scratch 1.13m.
It’s a Pawsitive Thing: Celebrate, Snuggle, and Support
Cuddly Kitten Day is more than just a chance to revel in the joy of fluffy cuddles—it’s a chance to reflect on the importance of giving every kitten a safe, loving home. With so many little lives waiting in shelters across South Africa, adoption isn’t just an option—it’s the purrfect choice.
So whether you’re celebrating your current kitty or thinking about bringing one into your home, today’s the day to make a difference. Visit your nearest shelter, donate supplies, or surprise your kitten with a new toy, treat, or bed from [Place Product: Petworld Kitten Collection].
Because when you open your home to a kitten, you're not just adopting a pet—you’re welcoming in a lifetime of whiskered adventures, purrs, and heart-melting moments.
For all your kitten needs visit www.petworld.co.za to order online or drop by one of store branches, Addresses and contact details on our website under Stores.