Mexico orders lifelong care for 19 cats in presidential palace

Mexican authorities have ordered 19 stray cats living in the presidential palace to be considered "living fixed assets", requiring them to be cared for for life.

Nineteen stray cats live in the Mexican presidential palace, stalking pigeons and appearing at televised press conferences. Some greet visitors, others lick ice cream from palace staff.

“They have access to every corner of the presidential palace,” said Jesus Arias, a veterinarian who works at Mexico’s presidential palace. “They walk into meetings, do interviews, and wander around in front of the cameras.”

The cats at Mexico's presidential palace have recently caused a stir after the government of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador declared them "living fixed assets" on April 3. They are the first animals in Mexico to receive this title.

Mexico orders lifelong care for 19 cats living in presidential palace — Cats live at the Mexican presidential palace in Mexico City on March 4. Video : AP

The term “fixed asset” investment is usually applied to homes and furniture. By treating the cats as “living fixed assets,” President Lopez Obrador’s government has forced the Mexican Ministry of Finance to provide food and care for them for life, even after he leaves office in October.

"The cats are the symbol of the presidential palace," said Adriana Castillo Roman, head of Mexico's Cultural Heritage and Presidential Palace. "I can't understand the presidential palace without them. We have to make sure the cats are taken care of."

Veterinarians from the National University of Mexico vaccinate, spay, and microchip the cats at the presidential palace. Staff build them small houses and install food racks around the garden. Veterinarian Arias is hired to provide regular care for the cats at the presidential palace.

The presidential palace is where Lopez Obrador lives. Cats named Bowie, Bellof, Nube, Coco, Yema, Ollin, Balam and several others often accompany President Lopez Obrador. He has joked that the cats "rule" the presidential palace and often precede him during official ceremonies.

Veterinarian Jesus Arias plays with cats at the Mexican presidential palace on March 4. Photo: AP

Some cats are named after artists. The orange tabby Bowie was named after rock star David Bowie, who visited the Mexican presidential palace in 1997. Others are named after rocks or words from the ancient Aztec language, such as Ollin, which means "movement."

Officials at Mexico’s presidential palace say the cats have been living in the garden for half a century, but it’s unclear when they first appeared or how they got inside. They believe the cats sneaked in through a small crack in the palace gate at night.

Castillo said the cat-loving staff at the presidential palace bring leftovers for the cats. Sometimes they bring canned food or rice and soup for the cats there.

Nguyen Tien (According to AP )

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