Do Asians Eat Pussy Cat?

In the western world, eating pussy cats is taboo. Cats are pets and as such are not a food source. In Southeast Asian countries cats are raised as a food source in some areas. The thought of eating cat will freak out most westerners. Then the thought of westerners eating pork freaks out most followers of Islam. It is one of those agree to disagree moments when it comes to ethnic cuisine.

In my earlier article Southern Recipes: is Offal Awful, I listed a few of my ethnic favorites. While the world grows smaller, there are still many cultural differences. The west consumes tons of blue vein cheese a year that would make an Asian gag. Face it, there are tons of local recipes to avoid if you are not a local. In the case of Scottish Haggises, even locals may want to avoid.

The Japanese enjoy blowfish. This fish is poisonous! If it is not properly prepared it can kill. I have had blowfish once. The taste was appealing, but the numbing and tingling sensation in my mouth was a little troubling. I didn't know if the cleaner of the fish was properly train.

In Europe, horseflesh is a delicacy. Why? That is beyond me, but different strokes for different folks. Of course there have been a few deaths from eating horseflesh as there have been deaths from eating blowfish and in the US from eating spinach. Gives a whole new meaning to, "eat drink any be merry for tomorrow we die."

I am not that a courageous a gourmet to push my luck eating some exotic meats. Being southern, as in American southern, I have eaten a few things that will shock a few. Yes, I have eaten squirrel, rabbit, deer, quail, duck, dove, blackbird, snake, gator, snails, conch, ostrich, crayfish, moose, elk, pronghorn antelope and a variety of other critters. I have not yet eaten a pussy cat, dog, rat, bear, manatee, whale or horse. I typically avoid the endangered or pet entrees.

What is food around the world is a topic that will always stir controversy. In early America, slaves were given the lesser cuts of meat, lobster, oysters and other foods deem unworthy of the landed gentry. Well the landed gentry learned early that lobster and oysters were good food, it took them a while to get into hoppin' John and greens. Chitterlings are still an acquired taste and brains? Forget about it. Still it is all food.

The next time you get all fluster over someone eating a little pussy cat, try to think of the off the wall things that your culture enjoys. It is a small world after all.