The cat going viral for 'blessing' visitors at a temple in China.
Image: Instagram Screenshot
I don’t know about you, but watching animals do adorable things is top-tier entertainment.
Xiyuan Temple, known for its peaceful gardens and centuries-old Buddhist traditions, has a new reason for visitors to flock in — not for deep meditation, but to get a high-five from a stylish cat.
Not only is this cat bringing joy to visitors, but it’s also serving looks with that gold chain — because if you’re going to be a temple icon, you might as well do it in style.
In the clip, the cat is seen extending its paw to visitors, as if bestowing them with a pawsitive blessing. The video was first shared by the Instagram account "China Focus", with an overlay text reading, “Temple cat gives high fives and blessings to all.”
Suzhou Tourism also jumped in on the hype, giving a special shout-out to the temple’s unexpected star. “Pawsitive Vibes Only! This temple cat in Xi Yuan Temple, Suzhou, is blessing visitors with high-fives – and the internet can’t get enough!” read their caption.
Visitors are convinced this cat is the real deal, with some saying they feel extra lucky after a high-five, while others are just there for the cutest temple moment of their lives.
In Buddhism, animals are often seen as spiritual guides, so maybe this little legend actually knows what it’s doing. Or maybe it’s just a cat who figured out that high-fives equal attention.
Either way, it seems to be working.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time animals have taken on unexpected roles in religious or cultural spaces.
In Nara, Japan, sacred deer roam freely in the city’s parks and temples, bowing to visitors in exchange for treats. These revered animals are considered messengers of the gods, but let’s be honest... they’re also just really good at working the system.
Then there’s the Karni Mata Temple in India, where thousands of black rats are not just welcomed but worshipped. Devotees believe these rats, called kabbas, are the reincarnated souls of their ancestors.
Spotting one of the rare white rats is seen as a sign of good fortune. Some might find the idea unsettling, but for the temple’s followers, sharing a meal with these furry residents is a deeply spiritual experience.
So, if you ever find yourself at Xiyuan Temple, don’t be surprised if the highlight of your visit isn’t the ancient architecture or the peaceful gardens, but a tiny, fluffy monk blessing you with the best high-five of your life