Experts call for stricter regulation of nation's booming pet economy

Wu Tong, founder of Q Planet, a company that provides funeral services for pets, believes the growing popularity of cats indicates changes in society.

"In China, the level of society rises alongside people's growing demand for higher-quality products for consumption; pets have been consolidating their position as family members," she said.

She added that for some people, such as "empty-nest" seniors - parents whose children have left home and rarely visit them - and urban bachelors, pets are often the only family they have.

Wu started the company in 2014. "As my dog grew older, I was living in anguish, worrying that she would leave me one day, and thinking about what I should do when it happened," she said.

Q Planet creates personalized memorials to help people cope with bereavement and grief, as Wu learned to deal with her fear of loss.

There are more than 80 pet funeral homes in China, mainly in large cities.

"Pet cremation is necessary in our society. More people will choose to send their pets off in a way that is more respectful of both the environment and the departed," Wu said.

Saving and breeding

In 2011, Chris Lau, an upscale jewelry designer and brand manager, founded TA Shanghai in the eastern metropolis to encourage people to help animals in distress and give them safe, loving homes.

"The origin of stray animals is abandonment - these domestic animals don't come out of nowhere," he said, adding that some of the city's lawmakers have suggested legislation to prevent cruelty to animals, including a clause to punish irresponsible owners.