In today’s increasingly isolated world, pets have become cherished companions for many. But this is not a modern phenomenon—our ancestors also loved and kept pets. Let’s take a journey back in time and explore some of the most popular pets in ancient China.

Dogs: The Earliest Loyal Companions

The first pets to accompany ancient humans were none other than our devoted “bark stars”—dogs. Dogs descended from wolves and were among the first domesticated animals, dating back tens of thousands of years. Research suggests that southern China might have been one of the earliest places where dogs were domesticated, making China something like the “homeland of dogs.”

In early Chinese history, dogs were not just pets but also an essential part of daily life. During the Pre-Qin period, dogs were counted among the “six livestock” (牛, 羊, 马, 犬, 猪, 鸡), and there was even an official title for dog caretakers—”quán rén” (犬人), which literally translates to “dog official.”

However, in ancient China, dogs were not initially kept for companionship but rather for hunting and, at times, as a food source. Even Han Dynasty general Fan Kuai started as a dog butcher, indicating that dog meat consumption was common at the time. By the Tang and Song dynasties, keeping pet dogs became fashionable, and dogs even appeared in famous artworks such as Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers.

One of history’s most famous dog lovers was Empress Dowager Cixi of the Qing Dynasty. She established a special dog-keeping office in the imperial palace, where her beloved Pekingese dogs were treated like royalty. These little canines were fed beef, venison, and fish soup and were attended to by four dedicated eunuchs. Cixi’s love for her dogs was so intense that it became a saying: “Cixi’s little Pekingese, a young lady’s little puppy—neither fully human nor fully dog.”

Cats: Furry Deities Turned Aristocratic Pets

Cats also found their place as beloved pets, though their domestication history is much shorter than that of dogs. It is widely believed that ancient Egyptians first tamed cats around 3,000–4,000 years ago, worshiping them as sacred creatures.

In ancient China, cats were held in high regard. They even played a role in royal ceremonies—according to the Book of Rites, during the emperor’s annual sacrificial rites, there was a special “welcoming the cat” ritual. This was likely due to cats’ mysterious, piercing gaze, which was believed to give them a connection to the divine. More practically, they were prized for their mouse-hunting abilities, making them valuable protectors of food stores.

By the Song Dynasty, cats had become particularly popular among scholars and poets. The famous poet Lu You affectionately referred to his cat as “li nu” (狸奴), or “raccoon slave.” Even today, many intellectuals seem to prefer cats, possibly due to their quiet and independent nature.

One of the most famous cat-related stories from ancient China is the “Prince and the Leopard Cat” incident (狸猫换太子). Meanwhile, Ming Dynasty Emperor Jiajing was such a devoted cat owner that when his beloved pet died, he had it buried in a grand tomb named “Qiulong Tomb,” complete with an inscribed memorial tablet.

Despite their long history of cohabitation with humans, cats remain only semi-domesticated. Scientific studies comparing wild and domestic cat genomes have found that, unlike dogs, cats have retained much of their wild nature. In reality, rather than humans taming cats, it seems that cats have chosen to live alongside humans while keeping their independence.

Cranes: The Noble Symbol of Longevity

Apart from dogs and cats, ancient Chinese nobles also kept more exotic pets, such as cranes. In Court Ladies Adorning Their Hair with Flowers, a crane stands beside an aristocratic lady, illustrating its popularity among the elite.

Cranes symbolized good fortune and longevity, which made them highly valued as pets. Their elegant appearance and graceful movements added an air of refinement to noble households.

Turtles: Ancient Water Quality Testers

Another long-lived pet favored by ancient Chinese people was the turtle. The history of turtle-keeping in China dates back thousands of years. In The Analects of Confucius, an aristocrat was so impressed by the longevity of turtles that he built luxurious enclosures for them.

Turtles were symbols of prosperity and long life, and even names reflected this admiration—Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu’s friend was named Li Gui Nian (龟年), meaning “Turtle Year.”

But turtles had another, more surprising role in ancient China: water quality testing. It is said that when ancient people dug wells, they would place a turtle inside. If the turtle survived, the water was deemed safe to drink; if it died, the water was considered toxic or even poisoned. This makes turtles perhaps the world’s earliest biological water testers!

Conclusion: The Timeless Bond Between Humans and Pets

From dogs and cats to turtles and cranes, pets have been an integral part of human history, offering companionship, protection, and even practical benefits. While the way we interact with our pets has evolved, one thing remains unchanged: our love for these animals. Whether pampering a Pekingese in the Qing Dynasty or posting cat videos on social media today, humans have always found comfort in the company of their furry (or feathered, or shelled) friends.