In China, cats evolved from working animals to cherished companions. From Song Dynasty “cat betrothal” customs to poets and emperors’ devotion, cats held a unique cultural status.
In China, the status of cats has also evolved from that of a practical tool to an emotional companion.This shift was particularly evident during the Song Dynasty, when keeping cats became a widespread trend and many famous “cat lovers” emerged.
The “Cat Betrothal” Ceremony: People in the Song Dynasty were very particular about keeping cats; they did not simply “buy” them, but instead “betrothed” them much like marrying a bride.They had to prepare a betrothal gift and even draw up a contract before bringing the cat home.
The Beloved Companions of Scholars and Poets: The great poet Lu You was a famous “cat lover.” He named his cats “Pink Nose” and “Snow,” and wrote over a dozen poems about them.One of these, “The fire in the stream is soft, the felt mat warm; my cat and I stay indoors,” paints a heartwarming picture of spending winter days with his feline companion.
Imperial Favor: Emperor Jiajing of the Ming Dynasty was a die-hard cat lover. He kept over ten thousand cats; when his two favorites died, he even had them buried in golden coffins and commissioned ministers to write eulogies.Emperor Qianlong also painted his cats, documenting them in the album *Portraits of My Cats*.
