Rent a cat in China – China’s latest society and culture news
A summary of the top news in Chinese society and culture for October 20, 2017. Part of the daily The China Project newsletter, a convenient package of China’s business, political, and cultural news delivered to your inbox for free. Subscribe here.
“Cat prostitutes? No, no, no!” This was one of many critical reactions on social media (in Chinese) to the launch of a new “sharing economy” company that is promoting short-term cat rentals. Many internet users were fiercely critical of the idea, calling it cruel and inhumane.
A Shenzhen-based company called Jixiang Cat House (吉祥猫舍 Jíxiáng māoshě) sells specialty cat breeds, but has now launched a service that its website says (in Chinese) is for people who “are unsure if they can take good care of pets or don’t know if they can get along with cats.” The shortest rental period is one month, and the average charge is around 39.9 yuan ($6) per day, depending on the cat’s condition and breed. According to the website, the service includes a guarantee that the cat is healthy as well as a supply of cat food. However, no details are given on delivery of the cats or what happens if the cats get sick while being rented out.
Individual cat owners are tapping into the business, too. On Xianyu, a secondhand trading website, there are several posts (in Chinese) about cat rental. One product description says, “You can take these cats to your cafe or bakery shop. They are good at attracting customers to your shops.”
- Education
China announces radical overhaul of college entrance exam / Sixth Tone
Kids’ academic pressure crushes parents, says viral article / Sixth Tone
Three kids, one teacher: How a tiny Chinese school keeps the flame of learning alive / SCMP - Space rocks
In search of the mid-autumn meteorite / Sixth Tone - Food
Why the Chinese gleefully shell out for hairy crabs / Sixth Tone - Sports
The totally unexpected true story of Yi Jianlian’s magical mystery chair / Deadspin
Stephon Marbury buys China Arena Football League franchise / China Sports Insider - Disabilities
Blind man teaches himself how to repair motorbikes, still in business after 30 years / Shanghaiist - Maybe not so lucky
Another Chinese granny throws ‘lucky’ coins in plane’s engine before take-off: Shanghaiist
