Cat meat

Cat meat is meat prepared from domestic cats for human consumption. Some countries view cat meat as a regular food, whilst others have consumed cat meat only in desperation, e.g., during wartime, famine or poverty.

The consumption of cat meat has a complex and varied history, with evidence of its consumption dating back to prehistoric times, through the discovery of bones in human feces. Historical accounts indicate cat meat was consumed in regions, such as the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis (now southern France), and was used in meat production in 18th-century France, with recipes from as early as 1740. In Spain, cat meat was eaten in the 17th century. It also served as famine food during both World Wars. European attitudes towards cat meat vary, with historical consumption noted in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, and Italy, among others. Switzerland allows the consumption of cats and dogs provided they are one's own animals.

In Africa, particularly in Cameroon, eating cat meat is associated with ceremonies believed to bring good luck. The consumption of cat meat in Asia shows significant regional variations. For example, in China cat meat is considered a warming food during winter months, although it is not widely consumed across the country. Efforts to protect animals from maltreatment have led to draft proposals in China to prohibit the eating of cat and dog meat. In Japan, cat meat was consumed until the end of the Edo period for its supposed health benefits. Similar practices were observed in India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with the latter referring to cat meat as "little tiger" on menus. Taiwan has banned the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat. In Oceania, indigenous Australians have been known to eat feral cats, and in the Americas, cat meat consumption has been reported in Argentina and Peru.

The consumption of cat meat has faced opposition, particularly in regions where cats are popular as pets. Activism against the practice has grown, especially in China, where animal welfare activists have successfully campaigned against cat meat consumption. The United States passed the Dog and Cat Meat Trade Prohibition Act of 2018, making the commercial slaughter and trade of cat meat illegal in most contexts. Efforts to protect cats and other animals from maltreatment and consumption reflect a growing global concern for animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals. Religious doctrines in Islam and Judaism forbid the consumption of cat meat due to dietary laws against eating terrestrial predators and non-kosher animals, respectively.