Internet-famous Tiananmen kitten to be put up for adoption

(ECNS) -- A stray orange kitten that became an internet sensation for keeping company with armed police officers on duty near Tiananmen Square in Beijing has been caught and taken to a hospital for a checkup, and it will be put up for adoption, Palace Museum staff said Thursday.

The account "Gongmao Tujian," which helps rescue stray cats, posted a video on social media Wednesday showing the kitten being caught.

In the video, the kitten initially appears cautious, but soon pokes its head around and climbs into a cage, tempted by a cat treat. It is then taken to a hospital for examination. While waiting to see the veterinarian, the once-timid kitten appears to relax, sitting with its paws tucked under its body.

The video drew well wishes from online users, many of whom hoped the kitten would find a loving home. "I hope someone who truly loves it will adopt it and give it a happy life," one commenter wrote.

Bai Shikui, an armed police officer who had been on duty near Tiananmen Square, recalled how the kitten first approached him.

On a rainy day, he said, the kitten climbed onto the guard post. "I instinctively shifted slightly to one side, hoping to shield it from the wind and rain." Over time, the kitten grew closer to Bai and often stayed by his side while he stood guard.

(By Gong Weiwei)