The presence of feral cats in Mexico’s National Palace has become a unique and endearing aspect of one of the most iconic buildings in the country.
These cats, numbering nineteen in total, roam freely through the palace gardens and historic halls, adding a touch of charm and whimsy to the grandeur of the surroundings.
These palace cats have become somewhat of celebrities, making appearances on televised press briefings, greeting tourists at the doors, and even sneaking a taste of ice cream from staff members.
Their presence has become so ingrained in the daily life of the palace that they are now considered “living fixed assets” by the government of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
The designation of “living fixed assets” is typically reserved for buildings and furniture, but by extending this title to the palace cats, the government has committed to providing them with food and care for the rest of their lives.
This decision ensures that the cats will be looked after even after López Obrador leaves office in October, highlighting the significance of their presence in the National Palace.
According to Jesús Arias, the palace veterinarian, the cats have unrestricted access to every part of the palace, often making impromptu appearances in meetings and interviews.
Their playful and curious nature has endeared them to palace staff and visitors alike, making them an integral part of the palace’s identity.
Adriana Castillo Román, the general director of the National Palace and Cultural Heritage Conservancy, emphasizes the importance of caring for the palace cats, stating that they have become a symbol of the National Palace itself.
Their presence adds a sense of warmth and familiarity to the historic building, and it is essential to ensure that they are well taken care of.
In conclusion, the feral cats of Mexico’s National Palace have become beloved fixtures in one of the country’s most important cultural landmarks.
Their playful antics and endearing personalities have endeared them to all who encounter them, making them an essential part of the palace’s identity.
By designating them as “living fixed assets,” the government has recognized the significance of their presence and committed to providing them with the care and support they deserve.
The palace cats are not just pets; they are living symbols of the rich history and cultural heritage of Mexico.
The Presidential Palace of Mexico City, nestled in the heart of the bustling metropolis, has long been the seat of power for the country’s executive branch.
Currently serving as the residence of President López Obrador, this historic building has a rich and intriguing history, having been built upon the former palace of the Indigenous Emperor Moctezuma.
The juxtaposition of ancient and modern is further highlighted by the presence of a unique group of inhabitants – cats.
In a curious twist, the ancient Aztec culture, which once thrived in this very location, revered not cats, but hairless dogs known as Xoloitzcuintle, who were even buried with their masters.
However, today, the halls of power are graced by feline residents such as Bowie, Bellof, Nube, Coco, Yema, Ollin, and Balam. These cats, with their playful and enigmatic presence, seem to have found a purr-fect home in the grandeur of the presidential palace.
President López Obrador himself has acknowledged the feline dominance within the palace, humorously noting that these regal creatures often take the lead during official ceremonies, walking in front of him with an air of nonchalant authority.
The cats, each with their distinctive names, hold a special place within the historic walls. Some are named after renowned artists, such as Bowie, an orange tabby named after the iconic rockstar David Bowie, who visited the palace in 1997 to view the famous mural by Mexican painter Diego Rivera.
Others bear names derived from native rocks or words in the region’s ancient Aztec language, like Ollin, meaning “movement.”
The presence of these cats is not a recent phenomenon. Staff members recall feral cats roaming the palace grounds among the cacti and dense brush as far back as half a century ago. The mystery of their origin and initial entry into the building remains unsolved.
While 19 cats reside in the palace full-time, many others come and go, slipping through a small crack in the palace gate under the cover of night.
One particular feline, Zeus, achieved a moment of fame when he nonchalantly strolled into the president’s morning press briefing, captivating the attention of both reporters and cameras.
This unexpected intrusion prompted palace staff to intervene, gently removing the gray cat from the scene. To prevent a potential “cat-astrophe,” the government had to request reporters to refrain from feeding Zeus, as it was discovered that he had been spending his days in the company of journalists rather than tending to his feline duties.
Upon assuming office in 2018, President López Obrador’s administration took a proactive approach to caring for the palace’s feline residents.
Staff members discreetly provided food for the cats, with some employees bringing leftovers from home and occasional canned food or rice and soup.
Recognizing the importance of their welfare, palace staff collaborated with veterinarians from the National Autonomous University of Mexico to vaccinate, sterilize, and chip the cats.
Additionally, they constructed small shelters and feeding stations around the palace gardens to ensure the cats’ well-being. To oversee their care on a permanent basis, the administration hired a dedicated individual, Arias, to ensure that the cats enjoyed a good quality of life within the palace’s grandeur.
When asked about their unique status as “living fixed assets,” the cats offered no verbal response. Instead, their nonchalant demeanor spoke volumes. Coco elegantly swished his tail, while Ollin stretched out beneath a palace pillar, promptly falling asleep.
Nube, a gray cat named after the Spanish word for “cloud,” was more vocal, responding with a simple “Meow” and delighting in greeting visitors at the palace’s entrance.
The presence of these feline inhabitants within the presidential palace adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the otherwise solemn and formal setting.
Their care and well-being serve as a testament to the administration’s commitment to preserving not only the historical significance of the palace but also the unique and endearing presence of its feline residents.
As the legacy of the palace continues to unfold, the cats play an unexpected yet integral role, weaving their enigmatic charm into the tapestry of this historic institution.