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.
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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.