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Q: Why do Chinese people eat cats and dogs?
i really dont get it. why why why??
The main reason is cultural, according to a Chinese friend of mine. It's because Westerner's see cats and dogs as household pet, and we even consider them part of family. So eating them is a big no-no, and we are shocked when we see hanging dogs on a stall.
Very interestingly, when I arrived in 'Merica, I had to live in a trailer park. It was a nice experience, but I admit it took some time before people would see me as one of them. They knew I was born in France, because of my accent. They didn't make fun of me, and encouraged me to get better. They were all really nice people, especially Sandy, the proudest 'Merican of all the park, who helped me a lot on teaching me how to brine meat and how to use a homemade charcoal barbecue.
But they were really curious, and asked me several time why would French people would eat frogs and snails. For them, it was "weird". Maybe it is the same feeling we have when we see Chinese eating cats and dogs. I remember Sandy once told me she would never try eating a snail (even with a ton of garlic!) but that "if a lot of people do it, then there must be a reason to it".
We should all take example on Sandy, and be respectful on all the Chinese that eat cats and dogs.
And when Wenna says "no we don't", she means people like her. Since she is different than everybody else, of course she doesn't eat dog and cat!
Well I've eaten dog in a Chinese restaurant where many other Chinese were eating dog. so yes Chinese poeple like to eat dog... just because you don't doesn't make the point invalid.. He didn't say "Why do ALL Chinese people eat dogs?"
To answer your question: Chinese people like to eat dogs because they can, and because dogs are tasty.
Most Koreans prefer cats to dogs,
Why "do" Chinese people eat cats and dogs?
Once again, Chinese History 101.
The current Chinese 'grandparent' generation have lived through years of crippling famine at some point in their lives. Now while this didn't extend to absolutely every part of China, it still had a huge impact on people's lives. When you've just got cabbage to eat, suddenly that stray dog starts to look mighty tasty.
People had nothing else to eat, so everything became edible (and acceptable). Attitudes to this haven't changed much, though some animal welfare groups are emerging.
You can still find dog on menus in China, particularly in parts of Guangdong, and especially in Nanning, the capital of Guangxi province. I doubt Wenna's ever been there though.
I had cat in Guangdong and it wasn't great. But perhaps that was just the restaurant. Try it, you might like it!
diverdude1:
My former Chinese gf's dad told me (through her) how when he was young, he ate grass and tree-bark. funny thing is, I believed him. I say funny, cuz normally I'm skeptical and wouldn't believe such things.
hiddenjelly:
Consider the Siege of Paris, everything was edible then too. People raided the zoo and menageries looking for something to eat! Desperate times call for desperate measures!
why chinese eat as they believe to some extent every food has their secret quality which can contribute to human body so i can not completely say things from my side. maybe it can hurt the feelings of reader but i will mention some other things chinese or same geneoloical people do eat these things as well.......
to miss wenna 7
i have seen it in changsha they eat dogs. there were shops in which dogs were hanging outside in hook with out skins. one of the teacher i meet in jiangsu she said that she has seen pickles of cockroaches, chinese people also each placenta some nurses steal it to sale to outside the hospital illegal, blood, and all animal body parts. in some places monkeys are also eaten, soup of snake is also there...
i guess some day chinese will start eating humans.. i am afraid they are not the GOG and MAGOGs........
I would like to say first that I feel bad because I eat any meat. The fact that some living thing died so I can eat a steak bothers me, but I do like eating meat. This is my culture and how I was raised. I always thought the stories I heard about eating cats and dogs were false. I can see it if it is a matter of survial. I can't judge a culture that eats cats and dogs. However for me I think it is just so morally wrong. Cats and dogs were never domesticated, they choose and evolved to live with us. Animals have the emotions we do, have other senses and abilities that we can only imagine. They read body language and I'm sure that they can smell our emotional state. They can be so in tune with us and other creatures.Cats and dogs live a paracitic relationship with us, they are friendly with us, try to please and we take care of them. I have and love a Collie dog and eight Maine Coon cats, buffet anyone?
only few decades ago they had nothing to eat , so they started eating cats and dogs ,even snakes ... 
The main reason is cultural, according to a Chinese friend of mine. It's because Westerner's see cats and dogs as household pet, and we even consider them part of family. So eating them is a big no-no, and we are shocked when we see hanging dogs on a stall.
Very interestingly, when I arrived in 'Merica, I had to live in a trailer park. It was a nice experience, but I admit it took some time before people would see me as one of them. They knew I was born in France, because of my accent. They didn't make fun of me, and encouraged me to get better. They were all really nice people, especially Sandy, the proudest 'Merican of all the park, who helped me a lot on teaching me how to brine meat and how to use a homemade charcoal barbecue.
But they were really curious, and asked me several time why would French people would eat frogs and snails. For them, it was "weird". Maybe it is the same feeling we have when we see Chinese eating cats and dogs. I remember Sandy once told me she would never try eating a snail (even with a ton of garlic!) but that "if a lot of people do it, then there must be a reason to it".
We should all take example on Sandy, and be respectful on all the Chinese that eat cats and dogs.
And when Wenna says "no we don't", she means people like her. Since she is different than everybody else, of course she doesn't eat dog and cat!
Please stop with the "respect people's decisions" and "different culture" crap.
I have recently decided that I am from now on only going to eat panda meat. Hey, respect my decision and my culture!
Mr Wiggle, I merely gave an answer to Nickwatson question. We Westerners and 'Mericans are moar shocked because Chinese eat cat and dogs, because we see them as furballs and barking pets that we get attached to. Chinese see them as delicious meat.
Sandy was full of wisdom, I wish you could talk to her someday!
Why not?
I had this discussion in one of my classes and my students absolutely could not see a problem with it, (eating cats and dogs), the dogs are bred as food the same way we breed cows and pigs for beef and pork. Conversely every one of those same students was absolutely sickened that we ate rabbit!
Go figure, different cultures think differently.
I've been to a large dog (wet) market up in some suburb of Incheon. That is a site to see. big butchered dogs roasting on a spit. meat looked and smelt awful to me. Deep red color and stinky. Of course as some of u are aware, certain parts of SE/E Asia aren't too keen on refrigeration, so most meat sitting outside all day does tend to get rather gamey. I hate dogs and say eat them if you choose.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Whipple
And why they shouldn't eat them?
I ate dog in China (in Xiaoshan, near Hangzhou). Quite tasty I would say.
Some says that dogs are so emphatic... so pigs are not? cows? The difference is size... cow don't fit in a house or apartment.
Btw. I like also dogs as a pet. I would not eat the one that was raised as a pet, but only those destined for a meat.
iam not sure why do the french eat snails and ants why do americans eat beef and chicken why do mexicans eat donkies and mules cmon
some Chinese people have weird taste.....it doesn't surprise me if they thought cats and dogs are delicious.....and hey i said some Chinese...i did not say all....so no attacks please
It's just a cultural difference. Different people like to eat different kinds of food. Some South Koreans also eat dog..no biggie. I remember reading about some foreigners getting upset about that when I lived in the Republic of Korea..to which I would say 'chill'. (relax 
)
Go to SE Asia and you'll really see some exotic things that people eat!
Bon appetit!
gregoryneal1:
Speaking of SE Asia.. insects, snakes, and rats were high on the menu for the older folk. My Ex explained it to me. I'll just let you guys figure it out for yourselves. The reason is simply simple.
Well, guys, a lot of people eat disgusting things but that does not prove anything about the race of that kind of people. I'M NOT SAYING any of you were racist, you are all pretty optimistic people and pretty open minded, but just a reminder. I'm Chinese, and for the record i dont eat dog or cat. I eat normal things. I've been in an international school, now I'm working in Australia. Please spread the word to stop racism thank you (because of the coronavirus.) Just because one person does something bad doesnt mean all of his or her race does it. Please lets stop racism and for once and for all just think about the things we have in common instead of trying to tear each other down. Thank you.
sorrel:
this is a VERY old question - last answerd 7 years ago so there is NO connection with the current world situation.
i am always reluctant to throw out an emotive label like 'racist' as it sticks - even when unwarrented, and logic and reason go out the window.
people have been open minded enough to share their thoughts regarding this practice and eating habits of other countries without resorting to emotive labels.
NOT ALL COMMENTS DISCUSSING CHINA ARE RACIST (sorry for caps)
life is not binary and by reducing every question to 'why do you hate china so much' if people don't always agree or like what is happening there is divisive and confrontational, and does not support or promote tolernace or understanding.
"i'm not saying you're racist, but......" Thanks, however we are all adults and don't need remdining on how to behave, like children would.
icnif77:
Great! Now, have a peek at the time stamp of the last reply. 7 years or so ago. Nobody was racist about anything here 7 years ago.
Chinese virus started in Wahun, so we (me & Trump-a) call it 'the Chinese virus', no different than the Chinese gov. claims the whole territory of South China Sea, and try to restrict and regulate sea traffic. Trying to muscle the smaller countries (Malaysia, Philippines ...) in the area ...
1. Pi Jin Xing promised to Obummer, formal POTUS, that newly built islands in SCS won't be militarized, and today all Chinese atolls have military gear installed (airports, missiles and what not).
2. China promised (and signed UN declaration) at HK handover in 1997, HK will keep democratic system for 50-years ( ... that's until year 2047 for algebra challenged!), and we had riots there for 6-months or so 'cause of the Bj's encroachment into HK's Constitution.
3. Westerners as you know, we respect PROMISES GIVEN.
I worked as an English teacher in China 8-years or so ...
-Once I signed the Contract, I respected it 100% 'cause my PROMISE was given at the signing of the contract!
-Once, the working schedule was presented to me by the principal, I have always attended the classes. My employers all knew that "In case I am late or no-show for the class, I might be dead!". It was again my PROMISE given!
-Once I got a loan of 100 Rmb from coworker, I PROMISED, I will return 100 Rmb on the following day. My buddy didn't need to come back to me a week later with Q: "What happened with my 100 Rmb I lent you ...?" 'cause I gave PROMISE, I will return it ... on the following day.
I won't go into bananas I had with every school I've worked in China, 'cause posters here are aware of that.
You Chinese should learn how to respect PROMISE GIVEN and stick you FACE culture where sun doesn't shine.
Eating dogs and cats in China isn't only because ''once, LTA Chinese were so poor that they ate anything that couldn't escape to da Moon ...".
No, Chinese torture dogs and cats before killing 'cause dog's meat became softer if the animal is killed slowly ... By Chinese belief!
Of course, every western pet friendly person considers Chinese scum of the earth because of that!
Myself, I tolerated eating pets in China 'cause Chinese were hungry not long time ago. But, that is not the real reason why Chinese enjoy munching on pets.
Now, go to China and preach that. Don't use 'racists' terms on this Board at your first post because it is just a convenience word at this time.
Do you know why Chinese women all walk with open umbrellas on sunny?
... because Chinese person with brown, sun tanned skin is most likely working outdoors ... and no 'decent' Chinese person works outdoors except farmers, who are 2nd class citizens in China 'cause of brown tanned skin.
Now, that's what I call RACIST!
Again, get some detergent and go "POLISH" your China ...
Sorry for the rant, but Chinese culture is also a load of scumbaggery ..., IMHO.
sorrel:
I am impressed by the way that people are turning minor interations at some unspecificed time in the past into 'racist' incidents or 'hate crimes'
things that any rational person would ignore.
I could no doubt label treatment i received as 'racist' or 'sexist' but i have more going on in my life, and people that i care about to indulge in such navel-gazing.
icnif77:
'effin "Ni shi waiguren/laowai" what Chinese blabber always when they see Caucasian face is overboard racist.
"However, we Chinese aren't aware of it ..., so it doesn't count, does it? We Chinese can do anything we want in China ..."
That's all what I need ... Chinese lectures westerners on racism ...
icnif77:
Respect PROMISES GIVEN ... or ...
https://www.rt.com/news/492179-g7-china-hong-kong/
You better ‘reconsider’: G7 urges China not to impose its law on Hong Kong
17 Jun, 2020 22:36
The Group of Seven countries have attempted to press China into changing its mind on imposing its national security law on Hong Kong, which they view as Beijing stripping the city of its Western-backed autonomy.
The foreign ministers of G7 on Wednesday expressed their "grave concern" about China's move. The statement insisted that the change contradicts local laws, international treaties and a UN declaration.
more ...
some they do others they don,t just depend on the region but i am not agree that all chinese eat dogs and cats,,
No, we Chinese don't ... eat dogs ..
China Kicks Off 10 Day Dog Meat Festival 
Banning dog-meat consumption is going to be hard and will take some time."
Jun 22, 2020 8:50 PM
Dog meat consumption in East Asian countries has had a long tradition, probably for over a thousand years. In the olden days, I'm sure it didn't remind of anything like animal cruelty.
The young people in urban China has definitely been under the influence of Western values and life style. Very few of them eat dog meat, many get involved in the protection movement.
China has too complex a demographics and too long a history for anyone to put it in a moral trial.
Meanwhile I'm thinking how Indian people feel towards the bull fighting in Spain. Would it appear too much a animal cruelty for a country where bullls and cows are treated as sacred creatures!
sorrel:
i think people would have fewer issues with eating dog meat if there was NO cruelty (small cages / animals being beaten to death to 'tenderise' the meat)
Also love the 'whataboutism' !!
Sandnose:
lol. Whataboutism is the last resort logical fallacy that attempts to discredit an opponent's position by charging them with hypocrisy without directly refuting or disproving their argument, because they have no argument regarding the issue and are intellectually incapable of conceding that their position is untenable.
Sandnose:
The philosopher Merold Westphal said that only people who know themselves to be guilty of something "can find comfort in finding others to be just as bad or worse."
WangNan2020:
You two, we make great family :) Come sit down and enjoy some...... fish
Well I'm Chinese, I didn't want to answer but I see some people have too much prejudice against China.First of all, it is true that Chinese people eat dog meat, but as a native Chinese, most people around me refuse to eat dog meat, there are many people who eat dog meat in some southern provinces of China, but only in one place, it is a matter of custom. But my generation of Chinese rarely see people who love dog meat. I only ate it once growing up, and I didn't know it was dog meat. I've only seen a dog meat restaurant in my hometown once. Maybe the western media is not so accurate. I don't know how you know Chinese people eat cat meat. I have never heard of or seen anyone eating cat meat.Finally, we don't eat everything. That's a big exaggeration. I hope everyone respects each other. thank you
Spiderboenz:
This is an 11 year old question that was last answered over two years ago, which means that you went searching for it. Shut up about how you “didn’t want to answer,” we all know that you were looking for a reason to be offended.
icnif77:
... to "I didn't want to answer ...":
Head to Shenyang or Anshan in Liaoning, both several brazzilion size cities ... and you won't see any stray dog or cat roaming in the city. Year 2012 ...There's no different in Henan and Hubei ... Why's that?
... 'cause Chinese hunt them down and sell it as edible meat, gourmet speciality ...
I have eaten dog at some Chinese teachers party, unknowingly! .. in Hubei, ... can't remember the city, now! Yuyang!
Teachers were explaining to me at many different dishes what is it and how it was prepared ... at my Q: "What is that?", nobody would answer it.
They told me "It's a dog meat ..." at my 3rd attempt ..., so ...
Dog's meat is very chewy, gaming taste similar to venison, i.e. nothing special.
Blondie_:
I'm pretty busy today, so if you could go ahead and offend yourself for me, that would be great, thanks.
curious on how many "one post wonders" comment on 'being offended' and engage in 'whataboutism' rather than engage in civil discussion, claiming that people;s real-life experience of China must be false.
