Hutong hero dedicated to saving ‘vagabond’ stray cats

Deep in a Beijing hutong — the capital’s narrow, ancient alleyways — stray cats have come to recognize one face above all others.

Zhang Ziwen has been feeding his feline friends near his home for the past three years. Every day at 4 pm, he heads out with cat biscuits and chicken meat to find their hungry faces waiting for him.

“Cats bring us joy — there is no reason not to look after them,” he said. “When I see their eyes looking at me, I am moved because they need me.”

Zhang first felt affection for cats when his grandson brought one home in 2005. He and his family soon had three cats at home.

It was in 2015 that Zhang first started to feed strays. At first he would leave food out for just two cats.

But, after finding more in other nearby compounds, he now feeds around 20 every day.

Zhang retired from a career in engineering in 1999, and spends much of his time dedicated to his charitable work. He takes his mission very seriously, and he does not consider it a hobby.

“The environment can be so cruel. I want to help them to survive. There is an old saying, that if you want to save someone, you have to do it thoroughly.”

So, Zhang forgoes holidays with his family, even at Spring Festival, because he knows the neighborhood strays rely on him.

Born in 1939 in Shandong province, Zhang said he cares for strays because he respects all life.

“Cats are good friends to humans. Looking after them is like caring for humans.”

Zhang saw his mother die when he was only 17, and his father passed away soon after. He was left with two young sisters. The three of them were dependent on government support.

Years later he also watched his wife pass away.

These tragedies left him with a deep impression of the vulnerability of life.

While he knows he cannot save every life, or even be sure the cats he does feed are full, Zhang feels happier knowing he is doing his part to protect life.

His favorite cat is a black-coated stray he affectionately calls Xiaohei — “Little Black”. The cat first arrived in Zhang’s compound in June.

As are many strays, “Little Black” was scared of Zhang at first, but gradually came closer and closer.

Zhang wants to take him home, but his ill daughter lives with him, making it unsuitable for a stray.

There used to be a neighbor in the area with two dogs that would attack and even kill cats that crossed their path. Zhang said he would certainly take Little Black home if they returned.

For others that wish to follow his example, Zhang says there are two ways to help stray cats. First, if you have the space and the money, adopt as many cats as possible.

As this is not possible for Zhang, he says feeding strays helps them a lot too.

People’s reactions to Zhang’s mission vary.

Many praise him and wish him a long life, or even sponsor his efforts. But others say if he really loved the cats he would take them home. Some others even say he shouldn’t feed them at all, as they will make more mess.

For Zhang, however, nothing will deter him from his work. He wants to offer support and affection for these “vagabond” cats.

He hopes more people will feel sympathy for them and join his endeavor.