October 19, 2024 07:34 PM (IST)
A cafe owner in China put out a call for “cat employees” on social media, sparking a trend for pets to work in pet cafes and earn treats, much to the owners’ delight.
In an unusual move that caught the attention of the internet, a Chinese cafe owner recently posted an interesting job posting on Xiaohongshu (China’s version of Instagram): “We’re looking for cat employees!” The post quickly gained traction, garnering over 100 likes and over 600 comments. The owner said he was looking for a “healthy, well-tempered cat” and offered daily treats and a 30 percent discount for pet owner friends.
A cafe in China is recruiting cat employees, sparking a trend of pets earning “snack money” at cafes. (unsplash)
(Also read: Chinese aquarium’s much-hyped ‘whale shark’ turns out to be a robot, leaving visitors furious)
The concept may seem strange at first glance, but it’s part of a growing trend known as “zhengmao xiaoqian,” which means “earning snack money” in Chinese. The phenomenon reflects the growing popularity of pet cafes in China, where pet owners bring their furry friends to work. These cafes offer visitors a unique experience where they can interact with the animals that roam freely throughout the facility while charging an admission fee.
A win-win situation for pets and owners
According to CNN, customers at these dog and cat cafes typically pay an entrance fee of 30 to 60 yuan (approximately £3.50 to £7.00), or they can simply order food. This arrangement can prove advantageous for owners who have to leave their pets at home while heading to work.
“It feels like a parent dropping off their kids at school,” explained Jane Xue, a 27-year-old doctoral student, as she dropped off her 2-year-old Samoyed from Oklahoma to her new part-time job. . “Sending an OK to the cafe is a win-win. She gets to play with other dogs so she doesn’t feel so lonely.” Jane also says that sending an OK to the cafe helps her at home. He also said it can save money on cooling costs.
(Also read: Chinese ‘spider woman’ defies gravity and climbs 100m cliff with bare hands and no safety equipment)
Job hunting for cat friends
But not all pets are good at work. Xin Xin, a 33-year-old Beijing-based Chinese teacher, is looking for a cafe that will hire her two-year-old tuxedo cat, Zhang Buer. The meaning of the name is “not stupid”. Despite his endearing qualities, Zhang Bu’er has not yet won a position.
“He’s sticky and purrs!” Shin proudly declared as he detailed his cat’s resume. She added that they “only expect a can of cat food or snacks as pay.”
Get the latest updates…
See more News / Trends / Chinese pets are taking jobs at cafes to earn money for snacks: “Footjob jobs”
Source link
