On the prowl for an attitude adjustment

So what's the deal with China's love/hate attitude toward cats?

Two of the best friends I've made since moving to Beijing in 2013 are Rocky and Callie, who were abused kittens when they were rescued off the street nearly five years ago. Both required expensive medical care - one for cracked ribs that the vet determined were likely the result of being hurled against a wall, and the other for a paw that was deliberately crushed by a stomp.

Chinese guests in my home either love or hate the cats - there seems to be no middle ground - and those in the latter camp often show palpable fear of my four-legged pals. Go figure.