Cats, "striking a pose" naturally
The secret of their seductive power lies in their eyes and walk.
Because of the unique colors of their eyes and their luring walk, cats are often associated with dark and mysterious nights, as well as conspirators in ancient China.
Cats aren't hard to deal with like some people say. Sometimes, they might require a little interaction and applause for their fashionable poses, though.
A Japanese cat called Shironeko, or basket cat, has won the hearts of many young Chinese. Aged nine, but looking like a man in his 50s, with his big round head, Shironeko is not a beauty per se.
The "uncle cat," as he is called in China, has a real talent for posing. Can you imagine? He had his own published photo album. During the disastrous Japanese earthquake in March, Shironeko's safety was worried about by so many of his fans because his owner couldn't be reached due to the Internet outage.
Besides being a superstar, a cat can also take over the responsibility of an ambassadorship. The News Weekly, a popular magazine among Chinese white-collared workers, "hired" a street cat lingering around their office. The Weibo profile of this ambassador already enjoys over 22,000 followers.
Cats comfort their owners when they are down, but only if they themselves are pleased at the moment. Don't try to put your anger and depression on them, because their claws are pretty offensive weapons. I bet you don't want to get all scratched up during a bout of depression.
Cats are like lovers. Glamour is perfect at a proper distance.
Dogs, guardians of the home
While the Chinese are dreaming about the rabbit tale and managing their relationship with cats, dogs will be there the whole time by their side.
In old times, dogs were domesticated to hunt and guard the house. Their reputation was built on loyalty.
Returning that loyalty, their positions in families have surely risen.
Nowadays, owners spend huge efforts in dressing up their dogs, taking them out for walks, and bringing them to a vet or a dog society.
Organizations and websites have been founded for exchanges of information and experiences on how to be a qualified "parent" of a dog, as well as for purposes of protection of animal rights and protests against animal abuses.
People could live with their dogs alone until the last minute of their lives. Dogs are companions, listeners, and surrogate kids for them.
If you look at their eyes, they might seem slow-witted. But that's exactly the origin of their sense of security. They seem to be telling you, "Master, I am here, by your side for my entire lifetime."
More or less humanized, pets, regardless of species and independent from sophisticated relationship networks, are obtaining a larger dose of love from Chinese, by preserving a peaceful harbor welcoming them home all the time.
