PHOTOS: It's National Cat Day

I believe the old saying is true: “Dogs have owners, but cats have a staff.”

In anticipation of National Cat Day, we asked for photos of your beloved feline friends, and you responded.

National Cat Day, founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige in 2005, is celebrated annually on Oct. 29. The holiday’s web site says the intention is “to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year and also to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their life for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.”

Please enjoy this gallery of kitties from Manchester, as well as a stray one (pun fully intended) from East Hartford. Many of them were rescue pets.

In order of appearance:

1. Dewey
2. Buddy
3. Rocky
4. Dazzy
5. Oliver
6. Finn
7. Mr. Winston Phipps III
8. Francine
9. Lilith
10. Fred
11. Holly