Spark Study Buddy (Explorer): ‘High-five cat' brings good vibes

South China Morning Post

23-03-2025

Content provided by British Council
[1] A domesticated cat at a temple in China has earned the nickname 'high-five cat' because of how it greets tourists visiting the site in hopes of finding good luck. The moggy, which wears a gold chain, greets tourists by raising its paw to meet the palm of people's hands.
[2] Xiyuan Temple in Suzhou, eastern China, is a cultural landmark. It is known for its stunning gardens and traditional Han Buddhist architecture. It dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). With numerous stray cats roaming the grounds, the temple has been described as a 'cat petting paradise' by visitors. The entrance fee is just five yuan (HK$5.35) per person.
[3] Tourists go to the temple just to interact with the cat, hoping for good luck. In Chinese folklore, cats are considered lucky symbols. The animals are often shown with raised paws to attract wealth. A tourist surnamed Zhang said that she has visited the cat for three days in a row. 'Sometimes you have to wait half an hour to high-five it, but it is totally worth it because it is so healing,' said Zhang.
[4] Staff at Xiyuan Temple said the cat is not a stray, but a pet brought by a visitor. 'Since the cat is outside the temple, we cannot manage it,' the staff said. The cat's owner, surnamed Liu, introduced it as Jellybean, a lively four-year-old that loves going outside. Liu often takes Jellybean to sunbathe in the plaza outside the temple at the weekend, where a group of pet lovers gather to interact. He told the mainland media outlet Dahe News: 'Jellybean has ear mites, and after applying medication, its ears become wet and need to be dried by the sun.'
[5] Critics suggested Liu might be overworking the animal for online traffic. However, Liu defended the level of love and care he shows the feline. He said the live streaming is meant to document Jellybean's growth, and is not for commercial gain. 'We always take good care of Jellybean. Sometimes its facial expressions may look like it is 'grumpy', but that is not the case,' he added.
[6] Concerned about the crowds, Liu plans to stop taking Jellybean to the temple for a period, fearing the attention might harm the cat. Xiyuan Temple staff have also advised tourists not to buy cat treats from nearby shops, as many are unbranded and of low-quality. Last summer, several stray cats at the temple fell ill and died after being fed such poor-quality 'treats'.
Source: South China Morning Post, March 9
Questions
1. In paragraph 1, the cat got its nickname because of … it greets visitors.
A. where
B. when
C. why
D. how
2. When was Xiyuan Temple built, according to paragraph 2?
3. According to paragraph 5, how are cats often shown in Chinese folklore and why? (2
marks)
4. According to paragraph 4, why does Jellybean need to be in the sun?
5. Liu said: 'Jellybean is well cared for. Sometimes its face looks like … in a bad mood, but it is not.'
A. its
B. it is
C. it has
D. its'
6. Circle the correct measures. (3 marks)
Xiyuan Temple in China is popular with much / many tourists due to a special cat that gives 'high-fives'. The cat's owner brings it to the temple's outside area. However, because too many / much people are visiting, Liu will bring Jellybean there less / few often.
Concerns are growing over the cat's welfare and commercial exploitation. Photo: Douyin
Answers
1. D
2. during the Yuan dynasty
3. They are often shown with raised paws to attract wealth.
4. to dry its ears after medication is applied (accept all similar answers)
5. B
6. many; many; less