'High-five cat' goes viral in China as thousands line up for good luck

The feline quickly became an internet sensation after videos of it high-fiving visitors outside the temple went viral on social media.

In the footage, the grey-and-white tabby sits calmly on a stone ledge as crowds gather around, eagerly waiting for their turn to receive what many believe to be a lucky high five.

Tourists have been flocking to the temple in hopes that the cat's touch will bring them good fortune, according to the South China Morning Post.

In Chinese folklore, cats are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity, often depicted with a raised paw to attract wealth.

Xiyuan Temple, known for its stunning gardens and traditional Han Buddhist architecture, has been dubbed a "cat petting paradise" because many stray cats roam its grounds.

The temple charges an entrance fee of five yuan (US$0.69) per person.

The now-famous cat, about four years old, is raised by a man named Liu, who regularly brings it to sunbathe outside the temple on weekends, Dahe News reported.

Following the cat's rise to fame, Liu began livestreaming on social media in response to the overwhelming love and attention from tourists.

On March 1, some netizens complained the cat became tired and seemed less enthusiastic about high-fiving visitors.

Critics have accused Liu of overworking the cat for online traffic, but he denied the claims, insisting that he never intended to exploit the cat for internet fame.