Overview

• Mr Long has offered his apartment, savings and other assets to anyone who agrees to provide lifelong care for his cat Xianba.
• After losing his wife a decade ago and rescuing four strays, Mr Long is now solely caring for Xianba.
• Despite a surge of interest on social media, no caretaker has yet accepted the conditions of his inheritance offer.
• China’s 2021 Civil Code enables individuals to name non-family members or institutions as inheritors through a valid will.
• Legal experts warn that Mr Long’s relatives may challenge the bequest and animal welfare advocates highlight gaps in cruelty legislation.