International champions, spectacular breeds and rescued cats looking for a family will take part in the SofistiCAT Caravan, an event dedicated to the fascination with felines and the promotion of responsible adoption, taking place on Saturday and Sunday at Auchan Titan Shopping Centre in Bucharest.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Friday, visitors will be able to admire cats that have represented Romania at major international competitions, talk to breeders and discover the stories behind their achievements.

'The event brings together two seemingly different worlds, united by the same passion: pedigree cats that win prizes at international competitions and rescued cats waiting to win the hearts of prospective adopters. Promoting responsible adoption is one of the event's main objectives, alongside educating the public about feline welfare and showcasing the achievements of Romanian breeders,' the organisers said.

From impressive Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats to the elegance of Siamese cats, exotic Bengals, aristocratic Persians and velvet-coated British Shorthairs, the event offers visitors the opportunity to discover at close quarters the extraordinary diversity of the feline world.

Competitions organised under the auspices of the International Feline Federation (FIFe) include a special category for domestic cats, in which they can compete, receive awards and earn international titles, regardless of whether they have a pedigree.

This recognition sends an important message: a cat's worth is not determined by its origins and an adopted cat can be just as admired as a pedigree champion.

'We want people to discover the beauty and diversity of cat breeds, but also to understand that every cat deserves the chance to have a family. That is precisely why our competitions include a category dedicated to domestic cats. A pedigree is not what makes a cat worthy of admiration and sometimes the journey from a shelter to the podium can be shorter than we imagine,' said Adrian Dragota, President of FELIS Romania.

The event will also offer an insight into the fascinating history of the relationship between humans and cats, a bond whose roots go back long before their domestication.

Adrian Dragota, who is also a FIFe international judge, will present the main stages of this history, from depictions of felines in prehistoric art and the worship of cats in Ancient Egypt to their spread across Europe and their transformation into members of modern families.

'For millennia, cats have fascinated us and accompanied us on our journey through history. Through archaeological evidence of this relationship, our ancestors left us more than proof of coexistence: they passed on a covenant. A covenant of respect, care and responsibility towards these extraordinary creatures, which we have a duty to uphold. Today, perhaps the most beautiful way to honour it is to give a home to a cat that does not yet have one,' Adrian Dragota added.

Over the two days, visitors will be able to attend presentations delivered by representatives of organisations involved in animal protection and welfare.

Discussions will cover the responsibilities that come with adoption, the importance of neutering, cats' behavioural needs, responsible breeding and the community's role in protecting animals.

The cat breed parade, scheduled for 1 pm, will introduce visitors to the characteristics, temperament and distinctive features of the different breeds in a presentation suitable for the whole family.

The event will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)