
Enjoying cats online has become a popular activity among urban youth who identify themselves as “empty nested youth.” Instead of getting a real cat that needs to be cared for, browsing through cat images and videos online is burden-free and creates a similar feeling of companionship and intimacy.

In addition to browsing through random posts on social media and discussion forums, an online game was created where players can select and purchase “e-cats” of various breeds, colors, and ages. According to official statistics, total sales have reached nearly $8 million, with over 70 thousand virtual cats sold.
On Weibo, one famous pet blogger has attracted almost 30 million followers by posting causal videos and pictures of his Scottish Fold and Samoyed, named Niuniu and Duanwu, respectively.
As they pursue a career, many millennials have to leave their hometown and move to big cities, where they live alone. The fast-paced urban lifestyle and intense external pressure leave little space for social events and entertainment, which inevitably causes a sense of loneliness and need for intimacy.
According to the 2016 China Annual Pet Industry White Paper, 73% of the 6 million cat owners are the post-80s and 90s, and female owners make up two thirds of the total. In comparison, the primary group of cat keepers in Japan is empty-nested elders.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses