Festive Feline and Canine-Inspired Holiday Dishes: A New Take on the Holiday Menu?

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Kayla Harris

“America is a country where everything Trump says cannot be untrue.” With a hint of irony, it reflects the paradox in the perception of Donald Trump’s statements among his followers. The idea of celebrating with dishes inspired by cats and dogs sounds like a provocation or a joke. But in a world where cultural stereotypes and habits are changing, should we rule out even seemingly impossible culinary experiments?

President-elect Donald Trump is a master of provocations and creating news that, even if unproven, always finds its audience. A recent example is his statements claiming that Haitian immigrants in Ohio supposedly consume local residents’ pets, such as cats and dogs. The political context matters: such remarks heighten public concern and feed cultural stereotypes. Although the city officials in Springfield, where Trump made this claim, found no evidence to support it, the rumor spread thanks to his rhetoric.

Interestingly, even in the absence of proof, many supporters of the new ex-president take his words as truth. While it may seem absurd to many, this does not prevent such rumors from influencing perceptions of cultural norms, including culinary ones.

What if such statements one day lead to equally “provocative” dishes on the menu? Historical examples show that it only takes one scandal or statement to shift conventional perceptions.

A Truly Controversial Question

Cats and dogs are not just animals for many of us. They are family members, fluffy friends, symbols of comfort and coziness. Nevertheless, we continue to consume pork, chicken, and beef, even though, as research shows, pigs have high IQs, often surpassing the intelligence of cats.

According to the New Roots Institute, humans share about 98% of their DNA with pigs, while the figure is only 90% with cats and 82% with dogs. This DNA similarity explains why pigs are often used as surrogate animals in the medical industry, as models for medical and scientific research or for use in medical training programs due to their anatomical similarity to humans. And you suggest that cat meat is unfit for dinner while pork loin is perfect? A marvel indeed.

Sentimental Value vs. Cultural Traditions

Cats and dogs have long ceased to be merely companion animals: for many, they are family members, beloved fluffy friends, hard to part with. In recent years, spending on pet care in the U.S. has increased: according to the American Pet Products Association, in 2023, Americans spent $147 billion on their pets, an increase of almost 10% from the previous year.

Seventy percent of American households have pets, the majority of which are cats and dogs. Such figures emphasize that, for many, the idea of consuming these animals as food goes beyond culinary preferences. The emotional bond with a cat or dog is so strong that it evokes rejection at the mere thought of them as food.

However, this sentimental attachment is not universal. In other cultures, for example, in some Asian countries, cats and dogs may be considered part of the traditional menu. These countries have rich histories, and culinary traditions have developed over centuries. On Quora, users share recipes for dishes made from cat and dog meat, sparking heated debates and cultural discussions.

Historical Roots and Cultural Perception

The traditions of consuming cat and dog meat have deep historical roots. In China, for instance, dog meat has a long history, spanning several millennia, and is often considered a symbol of good luck. In Korea, dog meat is traditionally served as a soup called “bosintang,” which locals believe helps restore strength. In Indonesia, dog meat is also used for ritual purposes and symbolizes special respect for ancestral spirits.

Research shows that cultural differences in food perception strongly influence how people react to specific culinary traditions. Science Direct states that people tend to feel negative emotions toward food that contradicts their cultural norms, even if it is familiar in another culture. The psychological mechanism here works as follows: we form attachments to animals we interact with, and cultural prejudices reinforce this feeling.

Real Examples of “Delicacies”

In fact, dishes involving cats or dogs have existed for centuries in various cultures. On social networks, we can find references to this, sparking lively discussions.

Scandalous cases, like the story of a woman from Ohio who was arrested for eating a cat, are covered in the media and raise questions about cultural differences in food perception. In 2024, USA Today published an article on this incident, which caused widespread public outcry. The woman claimed she was following her culture’s traditions, but Ohio authorities stated that such actions violate state laws.

Let’s recall China, where dog meat has long been part of culinary heritage, or Vietnam, where dog meat is considered a delicacy and a symbol of good fortune during certain holidays. Strange to us, dishes like dog soup or baked cat have become not only the subject of numerous recipes but also online debates.

Double Standards and Moral Taboos

The paradox lies in the fact that, from a moral standpoint, many don’t consider their double standards. If a cat or dog evokes sympathy and love in us, then why does a pig – an animal possibly just as intelligent – immediately become “food”? In 2015, ResearchGate reported that pigs have cognitive abilities allowing them to solve complex tasks and even form emotional connections with people, just as dogs do.

Why do cats and dogs occupy such a special place, while animals like pigs, cows, and chickens become “invisible” in the ethical context?

According to scientific data, pigs possess a high level of social intelligence and can even recognize their own names. Nevertheless, many cultures ignore this and continue to view their meat as completely acceptable. This moral choice questions the entire concept of taboos and cultural hypocrisy: how is a cat or dog any different from a pig or a cow? From a biological perspective, these distinctions are subjective and reflect cultural preferences more than real moral standards.

This duality raises serious moral questions. Why do cats and dogs occupy such a special place, while animals like pigs, cows, and chickens become “invisible” in the ethical context? Perhaps it’s merely a matter of habit and cultural context that allows us to justify our behavior without experiencing moral pangs.

Trump and Cultural Foundations

Trump’s victory in 2024 became a symbol of a new wave of conservative views, where values and national traditions took on renewed importance. Statements on national identity, cultural standards, and the preservation of traditions have become more frequent.

And while the idea of a multicultural society is solidifying, for many, the political climate is creating new boundaries. In an environment where the phrase “This is America!” resonates with growing confidence, even culinary innovations can be perceived as an intrusion into the traditional way of life.

Politics always plays a role in shaping national consciousness. Trump’s return to the presidency sparked a new wave of conservative views on values, traditions, and national identity. His supporters argue that the country must preserve its cultural roots, which do not always align with the ideas of a multicultural society. This atmosphere creates certain expectations from society.

This also extends to cuisine: any culinary innovations challenging the status quo can easily become the object of political opposition. Thus, the appearance of dishes inspired by Asian culinary traditions, including cat or dog meat, meets fierce resistance in the U.S., as a reminder of “foreign influence” that conservatives seek to shield themselves from.

This rhetoric has a practical impact. In the context of a “festive” dish of cats and dogs, one can see how culinary habits begin to be viewed not only as a personal preference but also as a symbol of political and cultural inclinations.

Multiculturalism seeps into cuisine, but for many, such innovations represent a threat to tradition. Against the backdrop of new political trends, the question of cultural identity becomes significant, even regarding what is served on the holiday table.

From World Cuisines to Future Trends

Perhaps, someday, American restaurants will offer “festive feline and canine dishes” as an exotic novelty. As our culture becomes increasingly globalized, diversity and “exoticness” are gaining popularity – from sushi to tacos, from crocodiles to grasshoppers. So, why not add a couple of currently taboo items to the menu in the future?

Even the “golden standards” of cuisine, such as French or Japanese, have dishes in their repertoire that may provoke disgust in an unaccustomed guest, yet they remain cultural treasures.

The idea of consuming cats and dogs as food in the U.S. today sparks heated debates and emotional protests. But given cultural shifts, it’s worth asking: could time eventually change even the deepest taboos?

The consumption of exotic types of meat is not just a culinary trend but a cultural phenomenon that has captured the world. Each year, increasingly exotic products make their way into restaurants in America, Europe, and other regions – from shark meat to fried insects and snakes.

For restaurants, this is a way to attract audiences and appeal to those seeking new experiences. Perhaps these innovations will even lead to cats and dogs being partially accepted as part of the gastronomic culture.

For example, in recent decades, dishes like ostrich or alligator meat have entered the menus of upscale restaurants and even become part of trendy culinary shows. Some of these products initially caused aversion and were met with shock, but people gradually adapted. For instance, the ostrich meat market in the U.S. grows by a few percent annually, despite high prices and relatively unusual taste. Now, one can even find guides on how to raise an ostrich and become a millionaire. Just kidding.

Before saying “no” to new things, it’s worth considering examples where cuisine has surprised and pushed the boundaries of possibility. Even the “golden standards” of cuisine, such as French or Japanese, have dishes in their repertoire that may provoke disgust in an unaccustomed guest, yet they remain cultural treasures. Take fugu – the poisonous fish eaten in Japan. Or haggis – a meat dish made from internal organs, popular in Scotland. Previously, these seemed strange to foreigners, but now they are world-renowned delicacies.

Trends and Morality – What Prevails?

It’s no secret that restaurants and chefs act as catalysts for change when they begin adding something unusual to their menus. As ironic as it may sound, a potential gastronomic trend for cat and dog dishes could be seen as an extreme option – for those seeking closer, more “emotional” connections through food. If this seems shocking, it’s worth remembering that cultural norms and tastes are constantly evolving.

Research shows that people tend to adapt to new food ideas, especially when such dishes offer them a unique experience. A OnePoll survey of 2,000 Americans found that 53% consider themselves food adventurers. About 58% experiment with various spices, and 52% try different main ingredients in their cooking. Furthermore, Americans expressed a willingness to explore international cuisines: 42% have already tried Vietnamese cuisine, and 36% have tried Indian cuisine.

But what would make Americans or Europeans take part in such a culinary “revolution”? Perhaps we might see such shifts in the face of a global crisis. The global demand for resources continues to grow, and food shortages could compel society to seek alternative sources. In that case, we can imagine a future where cuisine adapts to new circumstances – and where utilizing all available animals becomes the norm.

Are We Ready for a Culinary Revolution?

The question of what to consider moral or immoral in food has always been complex. We see that people’s preferences are often based on cultural prejudices and traditions rather than on true moral principles. Perhaps it’s time to reconsider our views. After all, the world is changing, and new ideas – whether in politics or cuisine –often face resistance before they become accepted.

Ironically, at some point, culinary innovations may include unexpected and even taboo ingredients. And if cultural barriers begin to fall, our menus might change much faster than we anticipate.

In our quest to keep up with the times, are we prepared to expand the boundaries of what we consider “acceptable”? Perhaps the day will come when taboo ingredients and exotic recipes enter our daily diet, symbolizing change and a break from cultural barriers. Are we ready to embrace the idea that behind each new taste lies not only gastronomy but a whole world of new possibilities and perspectives? Only time will tell how far we’re willing to go in search of new flavors and meanings.

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The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or stance of the editorial team. The content presented here is intended to provoke thought and discussion, but it is important to note that the perspectives shared may not align with the values or beliefs of the broader publication.