Mandarin Monday: Roaring Iron? Foot Long Jade? How Ancient Chinese Named Their Cats May 10, 2021 11:30 am | 1 comment | 139 reads Although the cat was domesticated after the dog and is seemingly more independent and aloof than their rival, cat worshippers the world over can't resist those shiny, blinking eyes and fluffy belly, even after they've smashed an expensive vase or deleted a day's work with errant paws on the keyboard. And of course, China is no stranger to this love affair. According to historical records and archaeological discoveries, ancient Chinese kept cats since pre-history, albeit the somewhat wilder leopard cats. Once the Silk Road was established during the West Han Dynasty, however, more feline species came to China and began mating, resulting in more diverse local breeds. What's more, given that rats not only pilfer and contaminate food sources but also threaten the structural integrity of traditional Chinese architecture, cats were originally trained as rat hunters and were only later revered for their ridiculous cuteness. And with that, we dive into the wonderful stories of how ancient Chinese named the local cat breeds based on color, making it easier to distinguish them.