Latest news with #Xianba
Time of India
3 hours ago
- 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
South China Morning Post
a day ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Cat-loving Chinese man, 82, plans to leave feline his inheritance, seeks dependable carer
A cat-loving elderly man in China wants to leave his inheritance to strangers on the condition that they provide unconditional care for his beloved feline. Advertisement The wish of the 82-year-old, surnamed Long, from southern China's Guangdong province has sparked a heated discussion on mainland social media. Long is still searching for someone to look after his pet, Xianba, after he dies. Mainland media outlets report that Long has no children and lived alone after his wife died a decade ago. He adopted four stray cats on a rainy day: Xianba and her three kittens. Only Xianba remains with him, prompting Long to begin looking for carers in case he dies before her. Advertisement According to Guangdong Radio and Television, Long said he was willing to give all his inheritance, including his flat and savings, to anyone who is willing to 'take good care' of his cat.
