National Cat Day: The Cats Who Found Their NJHealth Families

At NJHealth, caring does not stop at the end of the workday. Many generous staff members have opened their homes to cats in need—tiny kittens, shy adults, playful tabbies, elegant tuxies, colorful calicos, sleek black cats, and cheerful orange companions. Each one arrived with a different story, but they all found the same thing: a safe home and a person ready to love them.

One had waited quietly at a shelter, watching families pass by. Another had been found on the city street and needed patience before learning that laps could be warm and hands could be gentle. A particularly curious kitten chose an NJHealth staff member by reaching one small paw through the bars of an adoption cubby. That simple hello became the beginning of a new life together.

Soon, those cats were no longer waiting. They were exploring hallways, claiming sunny windowsills, inspecting laptops, and curling up beside their new people after long days of caring for others. The NJHealth staff gave them food, comfort, and security. In return, the cats gave their families purrs, laughter, companionship, and the occasional surprise roll of paper towels unrolled across the kitchen.

That is why National Cat Day means so much to the NJHealth Team. It is a joyful celebration of beloved cats, but it is also a day to raise awareness about the many wonderful cats still waiting in shelters and rescues. It reminds people that adoption can give a cat a fresh start—and bring a loving new friend into a family.

This National Cat Day, the adopted cats of NJHealth Team members will celebrate from their favorite blankets, boxes, and laps. Their stories show what can happen when caring people make room for one more heartbeat at home. And somewhere nearby, another cat is waiting to meet the person who will say, “You belong with me.”