An elderly Chinese man is going viral for leaving his inheritance to his beloved pet cat, saying he wants to find a reliable caretaker for the feline when he eventually dies.
The situation draws an immediate comparison to Disney’s classic animated movie ‘The Aristocats,’ and it’s not hard to see why.
The 82-year-old man, surnamed Long, wants to leave all his earthly possessions to his cat, named Xianba, who he rescued along with her three kittens from out in the rain several years ago.
He has been living alone since his wife’s death and has no children. It’s just him and Xianba against the world, and he wants to make sure his furry friend has a good life when he isn’t around to take care of her anymore.
Elderly man’s request for cat caretaker goes viral
Chinese news outlet Guangdong Radio and Television report that Long is ready to transfer his entire life savings and even his apartment to a suitable candidate who will look after Xianba in his absence.
Long’s heart wrenching story has gone viral on Chinese social media, sparking a flood of comments from hopeful candidates willing to take on the cat in exchange for his inheritance.
82-year-old Long is seeking a suitable caretaker for his cat – and he’s leaving his entire inheritance to anyone willing to “take good care” of his beloved pet.
However, there are just as many who want to adopt Xianba without anything in return, with one writing, “I would like to adopt the cat, and I do not need his money.”
“I also once considered the same question,” another said. “I do not know anyone who I can trust with my cat, so the best way is to give money to the adopter, because I do not want my cat to be their burden.”
Others are concerned that the potential caretaker could face legal retaliation from Long’s extended family, though: “The old man might be willing to give away his property, but the person who accepts the offer might face lawsuits from the man’s relatives, who might claim they have the right to inherit it.”
It’s completely legal for Chinese citizens to dedicate their possessions to “the country, an institution or an individual,” as per the South China Morning Post, due to the country’s Civil Code implemented in 2021.
Thus far, the exact terms for taking care of Xianba have not been published, and Long is reportedly still looking for the right person to look after his cat.
Content shared from www.dexerto.com.