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Time of India
06-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Fortune for cat's future: 82-year old Chinese man seeks trusted carer for pet feline; inheritance pledge sparks wide discussion
AI-generated image An 82-year-old man from China's Guangdong province has offered his assets to any individual willing to provide lifelong care for his cherished cat. The elderly man, identified as Long, continues his search for a suitable guardian for his pet Xianba after his passing. Reports indicate that Long, who has no children, became solitary after his wife's death ten years ago. He provided shelter to Xianba and her three kittens when he found them as strays during rainfall. Currently, only Xianba remains in his care, prompting him to seek future carers. Guangdong Radio and Television, quoted by the South China Morning Post, reported that Long offers his entire estate, including property and savings, to anyone who commits to providing excellent care for his cat. His proposition has generated considerable discussion across Chinese social media platforms, prompting varied reactions from online commentators. One comment states (Quoted by South China Morning Post): "If no one is willing to take the offer, it is either because they do not truly love cats or the old man's conditions are too strict." The precise requirements of the cat-care agreement remain undisclosed. Another observer claimed "The old man might be willing to give away his property, but the person who accepts the offer might face lawsuits from the man's relatives who might claim they have the right to inherit it. " Under China's Civil Code, effective 2021, individuals can legally will their inheritance to the state, institutions or individuals. Meanwhile, several online responses express willingness to care for Long's cat without financial compensation. One individual said, "I would like to adopt the cat, and I do not need his money." Another responded, "I am willing to adopt it," further adding she comprehends Long's concerns. "I also once considered the same question. I do not know anyone who I can trust with my cat, so the best way is to give money to the adopter because I do not want my cat to be their burden," she added. However, some commentators raise concerns about potential animal abuse, citing previous documented cases. Currently, China lacks legislation against pet mistreatment. The nation's pet industry has experienced significant growth recently. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper reveals that China's dog and cat population reached 124 million in the previous year, showing a 2.1 per cent increase from 2023. The dog and cat consumer market expanded by 7.5 per cent, reaching 300 billion yuan (US$42 billion) in the same period.
NDTV
06-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Chinese Man Offers Life Savings To Any Stranger Willing To Care For His Cat
An 82-year-old man in southern China wants to leave his entire inheritance to anyone willing to care for his cat after he dies. The man, identified only by his surname Long, lives alone in Guangdong province. With no children and having lost his wife a decade ago, Mr Long found companionship in a group of stray cats he rescued during a rainy day. Of the original four, only one, a cat named Xianba, is still with him, The South China Morning Post reported. Concerned about what will happen to the cat when he is gone, Mr Long has been actively searching for a trustworthy individual who will take in Xianba and provide her with lifelong, unconditional care. In return, he is offering his entire estate, which includes his apartment and savings, to the person who takes her in and ensures her well-being. Speaking to Guangdong Radio and Television, Mr Long said his only condition is that the new owner "take good care" of Xianba. China's pet market has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry, with spending reaching approximately $42 billion (around Rs 3.5 lakh crore) in 2024, a 7.5 per cent increase from the previous year, as per Financial Times. Urban pet ownership is booming, with estimates suggesting pets will soon outnumber young children in Chinese cities. Younger generations, particularly those born in the 1990s and 2000s, are driving this trend by treating pets as family members and spending heavily on premium food, healthcare, grooming, accessories, and even funerals. Last year, an elderly woman in Shanghai decided to leave her entire $2.8 million fortune to her pets, saying her adult children failed to visit or care for her in old age. The woman reportedly changed her will after years of being neglected by her children, even during times of illness. She said her cats and dogs provided her with constant companionship and emotional comfort.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Man without heirs offers his entire inheritance to a stranger, but there is a feline catch
In southern China's Guangdong province, a heartwarming—and somewhat unconventional—testament of love has stirred up a storm of conversation. An 82-year-old man, surnamed Long, has declared his intention to leave his entire inheritance, including his flat and life savings, to someone who will promise to care for his beloved cat, Xianba, after his death. A Promise Beyond Property According to a report by Guangdong Radio and Television, cited by the South China Morning Post, Long lives alone with Xianba, the only surviving feline of four strays he adopted years ago on a rainy day. With no children and no close relatives, he is now searching for a trustworthy individual who will treat Xianba as family when he is no longer around. 'This is a proud moment for our village and an opportunity, and we want to make sure that we're doing it justice,' Long reportedly said, emphasizing his desire for a genuine connection between Xianba and her future caretaker, not someone driven by financial motives. Is It Too Much or Just Enough? Reactions across Chinese social media have been divided. While many applauded Long's affection and forward-thinking, others questioned the practicality and legal complications of such a will. Some suggested that potential heirs might hesitate due to the fear of legal disputes with any distant relatives who might surface later claiming inheritance rights. China's Civil Code, which came into effect in 2021, allows citizens to will their property to individuals, institutions, or the state. Still, netizens voiced concern about possible exploitation. 'What if someone pretends to care for the cat and then abuses her? There's no law here to punish such people,' one user wrote. You Might Also Like: Rs 10,300 crore: After Karisma Kapoor's ex-husband Sunjay Kapur's death, who will inherit his massive wealth? . Despite the skepticism, several individuals offered to adopt Xianba without accepting a single yuan. 'I don't need the money—I'd be happy to care for her,' one woman commented. Another added, 'I once thought of the same thing. If I pass away before my cat, who will take care of her? Giving money isn't to bribe them, it's to ensure the cat is not seen as a burden.' China's Pet Boom and Growing Concerns Long's story comes at a time when the country's pet culture is booming. According to the 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper, there were 124 million dogs and cats in China in 2024, a 2.1% rise from the year before. The market size also ballooned by 7.5% to a staggering 300 billion yuan ($42 billion). Yet, even amid this boom, the lack of robust animal welfare laws remains a glaring issue, especially in light of cases where pets have been adopted for malicious purposes. You Might Also Like: Why is it always the 'Orange Cat'? Scientists uncover the genetic secret that could prove they are freaks of nature
The Star
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
China programmer lives in car for four years, despite owning house as he enjoys free lifestyle
BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese programmer shocked many people after revealing that, despite owning a four-storey house in his hometown, he has been living in his car for four years. His unusual lifestyle choice is not designed to save money, but simply because he enjoys living that way. Zhang Yunlai, 41, who is originally from Yangjiang in Guangdong province, southern China, moved to Shenzhen, which is also in the south of the country, for work six years ago. Initially, he led a routine life, commuting between his flat and office, paying about 2,500 yuan (US$340) a month in rent. However, a camping experience in a park inspired him to adopt a new way of living. Zhang bought an electric vehicle four years ago and discovered that the back seat could accommodate a mattress, making it comfortable to sleep in. Since then, he has been sleeping in his car during the working week. 'An electric car lets you use air conditioning and fit a mattress inside, so sleeping there actually feels pretty comfortable,' said Zhang. During workdays, he eats at the company cafeteria after work, showers at the gym and drives to a charging station for his car. He then finds a quiet place in a park where he folds down the vehicle's back seats, lays out a mattress, and sleeps. Zhang said that the park has 'five-star' public toilets where he can wash up. He takes his laundry home on the weekend. He also revealed that by adopting such a lifestyle, his average daily expenses average around 100 yuan (US$14), including meals and other costs. Parking costs about 6 yuan (8 US cents) per night, with an additional parking fee at the office of 20 yuan a day. However, Zhang insists that his car-living lifestyle is not motivated by financial hardship, but he chose it simply because he enjoys the lifestyle, feeling free and comfortable. 'I do not have much financial pressure. Even if someone offered me free rent, I would not move. The park environment is far better than a typical flat, and it gives me freedom,' he said. He acknowledges that his lifestyle choice has saved him about 100,000 yuan (US$14,000) over three years. Zhang owns a spacious 400-square-metre four-storey house in his hometown. Before relocating to Shenzhen, he worked remotely, earning more than 10,000 yuan a month. After that project ended, he moved to Shenzhen to work as a programmer, where he now earns several tens of thousands of yuan each month. 'Many programmers are phased out after they reach 35. I am fortunate to still have a job in Shenzhen. I plan to work a few more years and then return home to be with my family,' said Zhang. He drives home every week, not only to do laundry but also to spend quality time with them. 'It is a 300-kilometre trip, but I manage to spend three nights a week at home. Being in Shenzhen is purely about making more money,' said Zhang. His story, reported by the Guangdong Radio and Television station, has sparked a lively discussion on mainland social media. One online observer said: 'His health must be great, and the winter in Shenzhen must be warm. I feel jealous of both.' While another added: 'He probably spends all the money he saves on highway tolls.' - South China Morning Post
