April 15, 2024
BEIJING – “My cats are incredibly smart, understanding things just like humans do,” stated Ma Li, proprietor of two cats aged 13 and 16 in Beijing.
“Once, when I was criticizing my daughter, they stood between us, trying to de-escalate the conflict,” Ma stated.
Ma adopted her first black-and-white cat 16 years in the past when she moved into her condominium on the age of 23.
“Every time I returned home after work, it would wait at the door to welcome me, easing my work pressure and making me feel wanted,” she stated.
It didn’t take her lengthy to make the choice to have her second cat, a yellow-and-white selection.
Though each cats are typical domesticated felines, their personalities differ, with the primary being affectionate and the second being extra reserved, she stated. Despite not being uncommon breeds, she expressed her affection for them and confirmed her readiness to spend money on them.
“I have a weakness for whatever benefits cats, and find myself even more generous with them than I am with myself,” Ma stated, whereas carrying 4 big luggage of pet provides, together with litter, meals and toys.
Confronted with heavy work stress and isolation in an unfamiliar city atmosphere, Ma is a type of who discover solace in elevating pets, particularly cats — a frequent phenomenon which has created a surge in home cat possession in recent years.
Liu Lang, deputy head of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association, confirmed the pattern, saying that individuals born within the Eighties and Nineteen Nineties might favor cats to dogs because of the former’s decrease upkeep.
“The necessity of walking dogs discourages many urban dwellers, especially young and middle-aged individuals with demanding work schedules. Nevertheless, those with heavy workloads are prone to seek companionship. In this context, cats emerge as a preferable choice because of their lower need for space to roam and less frequent bathing requirements,” Liu stated.
In recent years, the variety of pet cats has steadily exceeded that of pet dogs. According to Petdata.cn, a pet business market observer, the variety of pet cats in China reached 69.8 million final 12 months, a 6.8 p.c year-on-year improve, surpassing the variety of pet dogs by 18.05 million.
Zhang Haiqiang, secretary-general of the China Small Animal Protection Association, attributed the distinction to the pets’ residing habits, as “the emotional value brought by raising cats and dogs is almost the same”.
Chen Haoxing, who owns three cats and a canine, stated he finds potential pet house owners can have extra choices relating to elevating cats, as restrictions on elevating dogs are tightening as a result of recent well-publicized biting incidents.
Chen additionally talked about the availability of hairless cats supplies an choice for individuals who are allergic to animal fur.
Some people uncover the individuality of a cat’s character and discover it fascinating.
“I thought myself of a dog enthusiast because my family once had a wonderful dog when I was a kid. However, after three years with my first cat, I think I’m more of a cat fan,” stated a pet proprietor surnamed Li.
Li’s black-and-white cat is known as Wuqian, or 5 thousand, because it incurred a 5,000 yuan ($691) expenditure for a half-month keep on the vet as a result of a well being subject after being picked as a stray within the neighborhood.
“Although Wuqian is not overly affectionate, I can sense the feelings between us. In the mornings, Wuqian comes over to snuggle for a while after I wake up, with its tail forming a hooked shape to express contentment. I appreciate this way of bonding, and I feel like I’m the more dependent one in the relationship. My cat has also taught me the importance of learning to say no and establishing boundaries in social interactions,” she stated.
Li discovered that almost all pet house owners in her social circle increase dogs and cats — or simply cats — citing “the captivating individuality of cats” as the rationale.
“Being an avid animal lover, I’m open to the idea of raising dogs,” she stated. “But I prefer breeds with stable temperaments, such as Labs and Golden Retrievers, rather than breeds like Huskies and Poodles.”
