A cat named Dou Dou has become an unlikely viral star in China after repeatedly being “rescued” by well-meaning hikers, only to trek back up the mountain on her own every time.
The incident happened along Despair Slope, one of the most challenging hiking routes in the South Taihang Mountains in Henan. Netizens have since jokingly dubbed Dou Dou the “Despair Slope’s Despair Cat.”
Mistaken for a lost cat
Dou Dou is not a stray. She is actually the resident cat of a small restaurant located at the mountain summit, affectionately known by visitors as the shop’s “little manager.”
From her appearance, Dou Dou is believed to be an American Shorthair. With her cute looks and friendly personality, she often strolls casually along the hiking trail, greeting climbers along the way.
However, Dou Dou’s sociable nature became the root of an ongoing misunderstanding.
Many hikers, surprised to see a well-groomed breed cat wandering alone in a steep and rugged mountain, assumed she must be a lost pet. Acting out of kindness, they carried her down the mountain to “rescue” her.
But Dou Dou’s home is at the top.
Endless cycle of ups and downs
Once separated from her territory, the determined cat repeatedly made the difficult climb back up the mountain, only to be spotted halfway by other hikers, mistaken as a stranded cat again, and carried back down once more.
This unintentionally created a daily cycle of misrescue, turning Dou Dou into the accidental mascot of Despair Slope.
To prevent further misunderstandings, the restaurant owners eventually fitted Dou Dou with a collar and name tag clearly stating that she is not a lost cat.
The move was meant to assure hikers that Dou Dou belongs at the mountain top and does not need rescuing.
Why hikers keep “saving” her
Despair Slope is known as one of the toughest sections of the South Taihang hiking trail.
The climb is steep, physically demanding, and requires hikers to use both hands and feet to navigate safely. A single misstep could lead to a dangerous fall.
Because of the harsh environment, encountering a cat in such terrain naturally triggers concern.
Many hikers instinctively believe the animal is trapped or abandoned, leading to well-intentioned but unnecessary rescue attempts.
From restaurant cat to viral mountain legend
With her adorable appearance and affectionate personality, Dou Dou continues to charm visitors. Now properly identified, she can finally roam her mountain home without being repeatedly carried away.
And just like that, Dou Dou has claimed her place as the cutest and most determined “employee” on Despair Slope.
