🐾 Cats, cuisine, and culture shock?

A culinary-critical journey through Vietnam – with a touch of philosophy

Introduction: Meows on the Menu

There's hardly anything people don't eat – history, hunger, and cultural peculiarities have proven this time and again. In Vietnam, a country full of warm-hearted people, wild motorcycles, and breathtaking spicy aromas, cat meat also belongs on some people's plates. What causes an outcry here in Europe is still considered a delicacy in some places.

And suddenly you're standing there, with your Western perspective, your love of animals—and your stomach simultaneously growling and churning. Welcome to the gray area between cultural understanding, ethics, and the eternal question: "Is that allowed?"

Cat meat in Vietnam—reality or marginal phenomenon?

Admittedly, the headline "300,000 cats eaten annually in Vietnam" gives you goosebumps. This figure is often circulated—among other places. According to NGOs like Four Paws, the reality is that in some regions, especially around Hanoi and in northern Vietnam, there are restaurants that actually serve cat dishes – usually as soups, grilled dishes, or stews.

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But the practice is controversial. Many Vietnamese people themselves reject it. Awareness of animal welfare is growing rapidly, especially in urban areas and among the younger generation. More and more people are keeping cats as pets – not as a meal.

Cat hunting: more than just a "culinary custom"

What sounds harmless is in fact often cruel: Many of the cats used are not bred, but stolen – often directly from the street or from households. There are entire networks that "collect" and sell cats. A sad business.

The trade is not only morally questionable, but also dangerous. Because where there is no control, health risks quickly creep in – for both animals and humans.

Zoonoses: When Illness Comes from Purring

Those who think the issue is "just" a question of culture are overlooking an important aspect: zoonoses – i.e., diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Cats can be carriers of various pathogens that can be dangerous if consumed (especially if improperly prepared):

And these are just a few examples. The unregulated trade in cats – often without veterinary supervision – is a real risk. Not only for locals, but also for curious travelers who just want to try something new. want.

Humor as an outlet: Jokes from the kitchen (but without fur)

So that you don't completely lose your appetite, here are a few harmless jokes from the world of the kitchen - Completely vegan and animal-friendly:

🥕 Why did the chef yell at the vegetables?
Because they were frying too loudly!

🍜 Why are woks so good at school?
Because they're constantly under pressure!

😺 Why does the cat never make lasagna?
Because it adores Garfield too much to disappoint him.

What remains after the smile?

You might be wondering: Should one even write something like this—talk about a serious topic with humor?

Yes—but with respect. Because humor is not the same as indifference. It is a tool for discussing boundaries without hurting anyone. And this article aims to do just that: take a nuanced look at a complex topic—with a wink, but without closing your eyes.left.

Because in the end, it's about more than just food. It's about ethics, health, and global responsibility. The question isn't just: What do other people eat? – but also: What are we doing ourselves to live a more conscious, sustainable life?

Farewell: A thought for all hikers

And for all those who wander through life (or through Vietnam) with their eyes open, this saying remains at the end – a little philosophical dessert for the road:

"Not every foreign food is meant for the stomach – some only for the mind."
A saying for hikers with heart and brain

What do you think?
Is cultural tolerance limitless – or are there also ethical stop signs? Let me know – in the comments, via message, or with a wink. 🐾

AUTHOR: TJP and CHatgpt.

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