Views and Introduction on Chinese Li Hua Cats

I. Views on Breed Disputes

First of all, the dispute between pure – bred world – famous cats and native Li Hua cats is inevitable. Here is my personal opinion. Although the cat/dog science popularization content pushed by editors on Zhihu and other platforms daily mostly focuses on pure – bred cat/dog breeds recognized internationally, in my view, there is no distinction of superiority or inferiority between pure – bred cats and native cats. Whether they are pure – bred cats, native cats, domestic cats, or stray cats, they all deserve our careful care. Chinese rural cats, including Li Hua cats, can also be cute and show off their good looks. The choice of raising world – famous cats or Li Hua cats is a personal one, and there is no difference in level. What we should really despise are the behaviors of mistreating pets, unscientific pet – raising, and even abandoning pets.

II. Detailed Introduction to Li Hua Cats

(1) The Current Situation of Li Hua Cats

The situation of Li Hua cats is quite similar to that of Chinese rural dogs. Originally, there were pure – bred Li Hua cats. However, due to the fact that Chinese breeders and Li Hua cat owners did not protect the continuation of the Li Hua cat breed, or it was too late when people realized the importance of protecting the Li Hua cat breed, the number of existing pure – bred Li Hua cats is extremely scarce. Most of the cats that people see as Li Hua cats nowadays are actually “Chinese rural cats” that resemble Li Hua cats.

(2) The History of Li Hua Cats

The Chinese Li Hua cat is an ancient cat breed originating from China, with a history of more than a thousand years.

As an old saying goes, “In ancient times, gentlemen would surely repay those who served them. They welcomed the cat because it ate field mice; they welcomed the tiger because it ate wild boars, and then they held sacrifices for them.” The so – called “welcoming the cat” refers to welcoming the cat god for sacrifice, praying for the elimination of field mice and the protection of crops. The cat mentioned here is the native Chinese cat – the Chinese Li Hua cat. In addition, the story of “The Replacement of the Prince with a Li Hua Cat” in the Song – Dynasty novel “The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants” is the earliest record of Li Hua cats that can be found so far.