From temple courtyards to trendy cafes, cats have long captivated hearts in China.
Now, scientists have shed light on the pet’s origin in the country, suggesting its earliest presence dates back to the Tang dynasty (618-907), with its arrival via the Silk Road.
A Tang dynasty provincial governor was recorded as the first person in Chinese history to name his dozens of cats. The avid cat lover also set aside a large area at home to play with them.
Wu Zetian, China’s first and only woman emperor,…
