In Guangdong, China, an 82-year-old man has captured hearts and sparked debate after declaring that he would leave his entire life savings and property to anyone who agrees to care for his cat when he passes away.
Photo via CNN
The man, known only by his surname Long, has been living alone since his wife passed away over ten years ago. With no children or close family, his closest companion has been Xianba, the last remaining cat of four strays he once rescued on a rainy day.
Now, facing the reality of old age, Long is making an emotional appeal… find someone who will love Xianba as much as he does. In exchange, he’s offering everything he owns, including his home and savings, “I’m willing to give it all to the person who truly takes care of my cat,” he said in an interview with Guangdong Radio and Television.
Despite the generous offer, Long has yet to find a suitable match. Reactions online have been mixed. While some questioned whether his expectations might be too demanding, others feared opportunists might take advantage of the elderly man for financial gain.
“There’s a risk someone might accept just for the inheritance and neglect the cat,” one netizen commented. Another added, “The man might want to give his property away, but whoever accepts might face legal issues if distant relatives come forward.”
Photo via The Wall Street Journal
Still, many have been touched by Long’s story. Some even offered to adopt Xianba without taking anything in return, “I don’t need his money,” one user said. “I’d rather give money to make sure my own cat is cared for if something happens to me.”
Under China’s Civil Code, individuals are allowed to pass their estate on to anyone they choose, even strangers. But for Long, it’s not just about legality—it’s about trust, and the hope that someone out there will see Xianba not as part of a deal, but as family.
For now, Long continues to wait, not for a buyer, but for someone who understands that love, not money, is what truly matters.
