Press Conference Featuring Cats Organized in Colombia

Who said a cat press conference is impossible? Well, Colombia proved otherwise. Organized by Sanofi as part of its “Adopt Your Allergies” (Adopta Tus Alergias) campaign, this event marked the first-ever press conference in Colombia to feature cats as the main guests, taking place on Friday, April 5, 2024, in Bogota.

A cat press conference to raise awareness about adoption

The primary goal of the press conference was to raise awareness among Colombians about the adoption of cats in the country. This was the result of a collaboration between Sanofi, the French pharmaceutical giant, and the “Adopt, Don’t Buy” foundation, a Bogota-based animal protection organization dedicated to providing new homes for mistreated and abandoned cats and dogs. For the occasion, 30 felines were showcased at the event, which was open to the public. The event proved to be a success, closing with over 300 adoption requests. The press conference also served as an opportunity for Sanofi, the sponsor, to introduce a new product that reduces human allergic reactions to cats.

Colombia’s love for cats

Following dogs, cats are the most popular pets in Colombia. While it is difficult to provide exact figures, it is estimated that around half of Colombian households have pets. Considering that the pet market is rapidly growing, the “Adopt, Don’t Buy” foundation’s mission is to prioritize abandoned animals in the process of getting a pet. Each year, the association rescues, treats, and finds adoption homes for more than 1,000 dogs and cats, emphasizing the importance of choosing adoption over purchase.

Among Colombia’s most popular cat breeds are the ‘gato criollo’, Colombian street cats descending from pre-Columbian and European cats, the Persian cat, the Bengal cat, the Himalayan cat, and the Maine Coon.