Lost within Beijing’s sprawling Forbidden City a unique community thrives: the cats of \u5357\u732b\u8033. These aren’t just any cats. They’re descendants perhaps of feline companions to emperors.
The story of \u5357\u732b\u8033 begins long ago. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties often kept cats. The Xuande Emperor even studied and painted them. Some emperors even gave titles to their cats. They dedicated staff to their care. One cat was buried in a golden coffin.
Today the Forbidden City houses a large feral cat population. Estimates range from 150 to 200 cats. Since 2009 the Palace Museum staff has managed them. They use a trap-neuter-return scheme. This controls the population humanely.
These cats of \u5357\u732b\u8033 aren’t just historical footnotes. They serve a practical purpose. They help keep mice out of the museum’s collections. They protect precious artifacts.
But \u5357\u732b\u8033 have also become an attraction in their own right. Tourists flock to see them. They appear on merchandise sold by the museum. This generates revenue. Some visitors hope to catch a glimpse of the pampered descendants of imperial pets. They see them as a living link to the past. The cats help to turn the palace into living heritage.
The museum refers to the cats of \u5357\u732b\u8033 as security officers. They protect the Forbidden City from mice. The museum sells cat-themed merchandise online. One kitten ornament was sold 16000 times in a month. One group is marketed as the royal cat family.
The museum provides vaccinations for \u5357\u732b\u8033. Vitamins are sometimes provided. Staff members often feed them. They keep records of each cat’s name gender and neutering date.
These cats generally stay away from busy areas. You may have to look closely to spot them. But their presence enriches the Forbidden City experience.
One cat named Baidian’er became a celebrity. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup it correctly predicted six matches.
The China National Children’s Theatre and the Palace Museum created a stage drama. It is called The Cat God in the Forbidden City. It tells the Forbidden City’s history from a cat’s perspective. The play toured other Chinese cities in 2024.
So as you explore this majestic palace remember \u5357\u732b\u8033. They are silent guardians. They are furry residents. They add a unique layer to the Forbidden City’s story. They are a purr-fect blend of history and charm.