When one digital door closes, another opens. This is the story of TikTok users—self-proclaimed "TikTok refugees"—who, amidst a potential ban in the U.S., have flocked to Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), a Chinese social media platform known for its lifestyle content.

In their quest for a new digital haven, these users have not only discovered a vibrant community but also a peculiar internet tradition: paying the "cat tax".

paying the cat tax

Table of Contents

Part 1: From TikTok to Xiaohongshu: A Digital Migration

Faced with the sudden unavailability of their beloved platform, over 170 million American TikTok users found themselves in search of a new digital haven.

Enter Xiaohongshu, a Chinese app primarily known for travel and lifestyle content, which quickly rose to the top of the U.S. App Store charts. Despite language barriers, users employed translation tools to navigate the platform, turning their migration into a subtle form of protest against the TikTok ban.

tiktok rednote

Part 2: What Is the Cat Tax, and Why Is Everyone Paying It?

Among the most charming discoveries by TikTok migrants is the concept of the "cat tax." On Xiaohongshu, this practice involves sharing photos or videos of one's cats when posting, especially as an introduction to the community. Originally an internet joke, the cat tax has evolved into a warm, playful way to connect with others.

Newcomers to the platform often start their Xiaohongshu journey by sharing a snapshot of their feline friends, which is met with enthusiastic comments, likes, and even reciprocal cat photos from local users. The cat tax, as it turns out, has become a cultural bridge between these two groups of internet users, offering a universal language: the love of cats.

i am paying me cat tax

Part 3: Cats as Cross-Cultural Diplomats

While the cat tax might seem trivial, its significance runs deeper. It's more than just a photo; it's an unspoken social gesture that says, "I'm here to connect." American users share their cats’'antics, and Chinese users respond with their own adorable pets or cat memes. This lighthearted exchange has sparked conversations about cultural differences, humor, and even shared interests beyond pets.

rednote cat tax

Through this simple tradition, TikTok refugees and Xiaohongshu natives are finding common ground. Discussions have expanded to include topics like daily life, trends, and global events, illustrating the potential for social media to foster genuine cross-cultural exchanges.

cross-cultural

Part 4: FAQS about the Cat Tax

1. Who owns Xiaohongshu?

Qu Fang was born in Wuhan, Hubei Province in 1985. She graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 2006. After graduating from the university, Qu Fang joined Bertelsmann, a Fortune 500 company, and stayed there for six years. In 2013, Qu quit her high-paying white-collar job at a foreign company, went to the United States in June to look for venture capitalists, set up the company in Shanghai in early July, and launched the company's main product in September. In the same year, Qu and Mao Wenchao co-founded Xiaohongshu.

2. What is a TikTok refugee?

In recent days, a rare moment of U.S.-China camaraderie emerged online as TikTok users, fearing a potential ban of the app, flocked to a Chinese social media platform to voice their protests.

3. Is RedNote like TikTok?

RedNote, centered around lifestyle content, blends the features of TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, providing short videos, product suggestions, and e-commerce capabilities.

Conclusion: The Power of a Cat Picture

The migration of TikTok users to Xiaohongshu and the rise of the cat tax demonstrate the adaptability of online communities. In a time when geopolitical tensions can feel overwhelming, the internet reminds us of our shared humanity. Something as simple as a picture of a cat can transcend borders, build connections, and bring a little more joy to our screens.

So next time you join a new platform, remember to pack your memes, your humor—and if you have one, a cute photo of your cat. Who knows? It might just be the start of a beautiful international friendship.