The history of pet ownership is, in many ways, a reflection of human civilization’s evolution. While the domestication of cats and dogs dates back to ancient times, they were originally chosen as companions for their practical skills—cats for hunting rodents and dogs for guarding and hunting. In early societies, where resources were limited, people didn’t have the luxury of keeping pets purely for companionship. Instead, their value was largely based on their usefulness.

The Chinese tradition of keeping pets has a long history, dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE). The earliest domesticated pets in China were dogs and cats. Archaeological evidence suggests that dogs were an integral part of ancient Chinese households, especially among the nobility and royal families, where they were considered loyal companions and skilled hunting aides. According to The Book of Rites, noble families in the Spring and Autumn Period already kept dogs as pets.

As for cats, the earliest records of their domestication in China date back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE). While the exact timeline is debated, it is generally believed that cats began to be domesticated between 500 BCE and 200 BCE, primarily for their role in controlling rodent populations. Over time, cats transitioned from working animals to cherished pets.

So, are you a devoted follower of the Cat Cult or the Dog Cult? Before we get into that debate, let’s first take a look at how the Chinese have been dedicated pet owners throughout history!

Ⅰ. Cats

The earliest recorded mention of cats in China can be traced back to The Book of Songs: “There are bears and badgers, there are cats and tigers.” Cats were initially domesticated to protect crops from rodent infestations. Even Emperor Wuzong of the Tang Dynasty (Li Yan) gave cats an elegant nickname—“Mouse General.”

During the Song Dynasty, people had a deep affection for cats. Artists frequently depicted cats in their paintings, often portraying them playing with butterflies. This imagery was a play on words—“猫” (māo) sounds like “耄耋” (màodié), which symbolizes longevity and good health. The painting below, Mao Die Tu (《耄耋图》), was created by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty.

Many Song Dynasty paintings feature pet cats, such as Hollyhock and Playing Cat (《蜀葵游猫图》) by Mao Yi (毛益). This artwork shows a white and yellow long-haired cat with a short face, likely representing the “Lion Cat”—a breed admired for its beauty rather than its hunting skills.

Some pampered cats lived lives of sheer luxury, thanks to their doting owners. The famous poet Lu You was a devoted cat lover who kept multiple cats and even wrote poetry about them. In his poem To My Cat, he expresses guilt over not being able to provide his beloved feline with better food:

“I welcomed this little tabby with salt in hand,
It guards my study and all my books stand.
Yet ashamed am I, so poor and low,
No warm mat in winter, no fish to bestow.”

In ancient China, selecting a pet cat was a ritualistic process. The first consideration was fur color. Solid-colored cats were highly prized, especially orange cats, which were affectionately called “Golden Silk Tigers. (金丝虎)” Other coat colors also had poetic names:

• Yellow and white cats were called “Snowy Gold Brocade (雪地金缕)”
• Black cats with white markings were “Dark Clouds Over Snow (乌云盖雪)”
• White cats with black markings were “The General’s Seal (将军挂印)”

Facial features were also important—round faces, short and flat noses, and small, thin ears were preferred. Additionally, a cat’s body shape was taken into account; a long, slender body and a thin, graceful tail were believed to make the cat more agile and lively.

Ancient Chinese cat lovers had high standards, but one thing remains unchanged—our love for these furry companions!

Ⅱ. The Ritual of Bringing a Cat Home

The process of adopting a cat in ancient China was quite ceremonial and filled with traditions to ensure the cat would stay and bring good fortune.

1. Signing the “Cat Contract”

Before officially taking in a cat, people would draft a “Cat Contract” (纳猫契), similar to today’s pet adoption agreements. This contract included details such as the adoption date, the cat’s physical appearance, and expectations for its behavior—such as catching mice and refraining from stealing food.

2. Bringing the Cat Home

To prevent the cat from running away, a specific transportation method was used. The cat was placed inside a bucket, and a stick called “Cat Tendon” (猫筋) was inserted inside. Additionally, on the way home, if one encountered any ditches or uneven paths, they were required to fill them with stones—this was a symbolic act to ward off misfortune and ensure a smooth transition for the cat into its new home.

3. Choosing an Auspicious Day & Preparing a “Bride Price”

Ancient cat adoption wasn’t complete without consulting the traditional Chinese almanac (黄历) to choose a lucky day. Once the date was set, people would prepare a bride price, which typically included symbolic gifts like sugar, salt, tea, small fish made of willow twigs, sesame, or soybeans.

Famous scholars also followed this tradition. The poet Lu You presented a bag of salt as his “bride price” for the cat, while Huang Tingjian gifted a fresh fish. This practice of formally adopting a cat with gifts lasted for centuries—well into the 20th century. Even in modern history, people in different regions had unique customs:

• In Shaoxing (绍兴), Zhejiang, people offered ramie fiber.
• In Wenzhou (杭州), Zhejiang, they gave salt and vinegar.
• In Chaoshan (广州), Guangdong, a packet of red sugar was the preferred offering.

4. Officially Welcoming the Cat

Once the cat arrived at its new home, the real work for the cat servant (modern-day pet owner) began! Much like today’s responsibilities, ancient cat owners had to:

• Litter train their cat – “Teach the cat not to defecate inside the house.”
• Neuter male cats – “Male cats must be castrated to suppress their aggressive nature.”
• Provide catnip – Ancient Chinese believed that preparing herbs like catnip made cats happier.
• Learn how to care for their cat’s health – Owners had to be ready to treat illnesses and keep their feline companion in good shape.

Clearly, being a cat owner has always been a mix of love, patience, and responsibility—whether in ancient China or today!

Ⅲ. Dogs

Dogs were also beloved pets in ancient China, valued for their loyalty, courage, and diligence. In fact, they were thought to embody eight virtues—including righteousness, bravery, and devotion. While dogs were originally used for hunting and guarding, by the Tang Dynasty (618–907), they had also become cherished pets among palace concubines.

The transition from working dogs to pure companion animals happened no later than the Tang Dynasty. One famous example can be found in the painting Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers, which depicts a small pet dog. These dogs were typically small in size, gentle in temperament, and were commonly known as wozi (猧子). The wozi is believed to have originated from the Eastern Roman Empire and was introduced to China via the Silk Road. However, they were incredibly expensive, meaning only nobles could afford them.

The most famous royal pet dog of the time was owned by Yang Guifei, the beloved concubine of Emperor Xuanzong. Her dog, a white Pekingese, was a tribute from Kangguo (modern-day Uzbekistan).

By the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the pet industry had expanded significantly. Dongjing Meng Hua Lu (《东京梦华录》) describes bustling pet markets in the capital, where merchants sold dog food, cages, bells, and accessories. There were even professional dog trainers and books dedicated to pet care, such as The Cricket Manual (《促织经》) and The Crane Manual (《相鹤经》).

Unlike in the Tang Dynasty, where only aristocrats kept pet dogs, by the Song Dynasty, ordinary citizens had also joined in. Pet grooming, accessories, and other services became increasingly sophisticated—almost like a full-service pet care industry! As a result, pet dogs began to appear frequently in paintings, reflecting their growing popularity in Chinese society.

Ⅳ. Famous Pet Owners in History

The love for pet dogs in ancient China is well documented. The Southern Song writer Hong Mai (洪迈) recorded a story in Yijian Zhi (《夷坚志》) about a man named Yuan Qi  (员琦), who had a beloved dog with a black body and white paws, named “Silver Hoof” (银蹄). This dog was so well-trained that it could respond to calls, sit, and even kneel on command—an adorable companion. One day, Silver Hoof went missing, and Yuan Qi immediately put up notices and offered a reward for its return. Clearly, this was solid proof that Yuan and his family were devoted pet owners.

But who was the greatest dog lover of the Song Dynasty? That title undoubtedly goes to Emperor Taizong of Song, who had a Pekingese dog named “Peach Blossom” , a tribute from Hezhou (合州, modern-day Chongqing). The emperor had an incredibly deep bond with his pet. When Taizong fell ill, Peach Blossom stopped eating out of grief and became dangerously thin. After Taizong passed away, his son, Emperor Zhenzong, sent Peach Blossom to guard his father’s tomb, and only then did the loyal dog resume eating.

And what about the most famous female pet owner in Chinese history? That title belongs to Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty. She was so obsessed with dogs that she built an entire “Imperial Dog Hall” (御犬殿) in the Forbidden City, housing over 1,000 dogs! The eunuchs in charge of caring for them were even given the official title of “Dog Attendants” . While Cixi had official food tasters to check for poison in her meals, she insisted on personally inspecting the food for her dogs.

Summary

“If you tame me, then we will need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world.”

Pets are not just animals—we choose them to be part of our family. Cats and dogs have shared a deep bond with humans for thousands of years, making us their devoted caretakers (a.k.a. poop scoopers). It’s almost terrifying to realize that we’ve been serving them for millennia!

If dogs and cats ruled the world, would it be a better place? 🤔