Finding Forever Homes: The Heartwarming Work of ConPasion Animal in Medellín

Fundación ConPasion Animal gives love to those cats who need it most.

In Medellín, Colombia, a beacon of hope shines brightly for homeless cats: Fundación ConPasión Animal. This dedicated organization is committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray cats, ensuring they find loving families and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

A Sanctuary for Stray Cats

Fundación ConPasión Animal operates from their facility located at Transversal 32B # 74C - 55 in the Belén Alameda neighborhood of Medellín. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for up to 70 cats at a time, offering them shelter, nourishment, and often sorely needed medical care. The organization's mission is to rescue cats from the streets, nurse them back to health, and prepare them for adoption into loving homes,

Comprehensive Veterinary Services

Understanding that health is paramount to a cat's well-being, Fundación ConPasión Animal offers a range of veterinary services. Each rescued cat undergoes a thorough medical examination, receives necessary vaccinations, and is spayed or neutered to prevent overpopulation. Additionally, the organization provides treatments for any illnesses or injuries, ensuring that every cat is in optimal health before being placed for adoption. The foundation partners with various veterinary clinics who help with keep the kitties purring.

The foundation gives veterinary student, Emily Higuita a place to help out animals in need, her passion for cats shows through in the love and care that she shows even to the most difficult animals. When I asked her what she likes most about working with "I really like the medical aspect since I’ve learned a lot here, many things that sometimes the university doesn’t teach. So, I’ve had a lot of new experiences and gained a lot of knowledge."

Adoption: Matching Cats with Loving Homes

The adoption process at Fundación ConPasión Animal is meticulous, aiming to match each cat with the most suitable family. Prospective adopters are interviewed to assess their readiness and compatibility, ensuring that the cats are placed in environments where they will be cherished and cared for. This careful matching process has led to numerous success stories, with cats finding their forever homes and bringing joy to families across Medellín.

Part of this is that the foundation does an interview for all cats that get adopted. Their interview is to make sure that the new kitty parents understand that cats are a responsibility, and a part of the family. They make sure that your home is ready for the furry mix of joy, energy and curiousity. Thus making sure you are not moving in your new feline companion with no nets over the windows over your windows. The main thing is that they want to connect these furry loves with their forever homes. All of these cats have been abandoned at some point in their lives, and the last thing they want is for these cats to suffer this fate again.

Community Engagement and Education

Beyond rescue and adoption, Fundación ConPasión Animal is deeply involved in community outreach. They conduct educational programs to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the humane treatment of animals. By engaging with the community, they foster a culture of compassion and responsibility towards animals, contributing to a more humane society.

According to founding member, Sara Medina, the foundation started small with a Instagram page that would help other foundations to raise funds, but the founders saw a real opportunity to make a change and they started with one cat at a time, renting a space in another foundation. They realized the need for helping cats is much greater than this, and they moved into the location they are in currently. This was made possible by the generosity of not just those that donate money, but also those that donate food, litter, toys, medications and all things cats need.

How You Can Help: Donations and Volunteering

The noble work of Fundación ConPasión Animal is made possible through the generosity of donors and volunteers. Financial contributions are crucial, as they fund the cats' medical treatments, food, and shelter. Donations can be made through their website, and every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant impact. Even if it feels small, no donation is small to them.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. Whether it's assisting with daily care routines, helping with adoption events, or participating in community education programs, volunteers play a vital role. Volunteer Shanti, who is a high school student comes to give back to the cats, because there are so many beautiful souls there and she loves to work with them. Her experience in the foundation has gotten her thinking that a focus in veterinary arts might be in her future when it comes to her time in university. This has fueled her passion for improving the lives of cats. She has 2 free range cats on her family farm, and that has made her passionate about animals in general, but mostly for cats.

Longtime volunteer Andrea Mejia feels a sense of calm and peace in volunteering. She states. "It gives me propose, it heals me, I can pour all the love I have on this place and I feel loved back by these vulnerable cats. For one day a week I forget about job or stress and focus on a meaningful task. Also I get to interact with people who have a sensitive heart for cats, which are my kind of people, Its a nice place for meeting new friends."

Those interested in volunteering can reach out via email at info@conpasionanimal.org to learn more about available opportunities.

Cats and Coffee

In addition to spending time with the cats at the foundation, they also have a delicious cafe on site that serves all different types of coffee as well as many different vegetarian food options. This ranges from typical finger foods to their menu of the day which has a delicious lasagna and a veggie burger that I genuinely enjoyed. I'm not a huge fan of veggie burgers, but that with fries was a delicious combo. As a dog owner, I rarely get a meal without the pleading eyes of my little cocker spaniel sidekick, Negrita asking me for food. It's nice to eat with cats because they just want to see what you're doing, not claim their percentage.

The foundation has ample space to host events, birthday parties, and even act as a co-working spot. You can fing bohemian and new wave professional co-working spots all over Medellin, but imagine working with the inspiration and energy of cats all around you. You are guaranteed to beat any blocks you may have, or you get your cuddles back. All kittying aside, you will have a blast getting to know the different personalities of the stars of the show.

Join the Cause

Fundación ConPasión Animal's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of homeless cats in Medellín is truly inspiring. Through rescue, rehabilitation, and education, they are making a tangible difference in the community. By supporting their mission—whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting a cat—you become part of a compassionate movement that brings hope and happiness to countless feline lives.

For more information, visit their website at www.conpasionanimal.org or follow them on Instagram at @conpasionanimal, for more information about the restaurant follow them on Instagram at @mecatiaderoconpasion