by MASTR P.-March 27, 2019"
Do Haitians eat cats, dogs, ducks, and geese" is among the top 10 most frequently asked questions of Haitians in elementary school, middle school, high school, college, and even professional settings.
Unfortunately, many Haitians feel uncomfortable answering this question. I, on the other hand, don't have this problem. I will spill the beans and let you in on this little secret.
Do they eat cats in Haiti?
Eating cat meat is not a daily or nationwide practice in Haiti. However, some Haitians eat cats on December 24th in a national festivity called "Reveyon", a big Christmas party.
This is exclusively known to a select group of Haitians found mostly in countryside villages.
Now I know you have many questions that need answers. I will answer some of them right here for you.
You're ready? Let's go.
Why do Haitians eat cats?
Contrary to popular belief, Haitians don't eat cats because they are poor and hungry. They eat cats because it's a tradition.
Eating cats in Haiti is not a new habit but an old tradition that started in slavery.
For instance, runaway slaves hunted, killed, and ate wild cats deep in Haiti's forest and treacherous mountains many years before Haiti became a nation.
So the practice of eating cats is just as old as Haiti herself.
Do Haitians eat other types of animals?
Yes. Haitians eat cows, goats, sheep, chickens, pork, etc., but cat meat is a delicacy that many from the countryside simply can't resist.
Look...
...having a Reveyon without a cat is like celebrating Thanksgiving without a turkey. Unless you are a vegetarian, some just have to have it.
Why? Well, again, it's an old tradition.
Do Haitians eat Dogs?
NO. Haitians do not eat dogs. I can guarantee you this is among many types of meats Haitians will not touch. I want to be clear about this.
Do Haitians eat ducks and geese?
Yes. Haitians do eat ducks and geese meat and eggs just like in the US and Canada.
Do Haitians eat pets?
If an animal is raised as a pet, Haitians will not eat it because, at this point, the animal is seen as part of the family.
Why is it legal to eat cats in Haiti?
Some Haitians eat cat's meat freely for three reasons:
There are no laws designed to prevent people from eating cats.
Most Haitians do not have a human-like relationship with their pets.
Some see cats just like pork, beef, and chicken. So there is no discrimination.
There is no preferential treatment. Meat is meat--whether it is from cats or any other large animals.
What does cat meat taste like?
Cat meat actually tastes like chicken. A scientific explanation for this similarity is that because many animals evolve from a common ancestor, they often taste the same even when they smell differently.
When I tried it a few years ago, that was exactly my impression. But to discover if this is true, you must try it to draw your own conclusion.
Why are there no cats in Haiti?
It is a lie to claim there are no cats in Haiti.
Here is the truth:
Haitian's relationship with their pets is different from what you would typically see in North American or European homes.
While pet owners in those places may feel comfortable letting their pets in their homes or beds, in Haiti, the dynamic of the relationship is completely different.
For example, they use dogs to guard their home and cats to catch the mouse in their kitchen and gardens. However, this is where the interaction stops for most Haitians.
All that kissy-feely stuff you see people do with their pets in those North American and European countries is mostly unacceptable in Haiti.
If you see more dogs than cats in Haiti, know that it is not because they eat all the cats. It is just that dogs are cherished more because of their guardianship ability.
So Haitian families don't often take a pet into their homes just because they want to. No. They will get a cat or a dog based on the family's needs.
Do Haitians eat cats in other countries?
No. Most Haitians are law-abiding people. They would never steal, kill and cook a cat in countries outside of Haiti. Trust me on this.
So if your cat is missing do not accuse your Haitian neighbors because pets go missing all the time.
In addition, should you now be scared of Haitian food because of this?
NO!
Haitians would never serve you cat meat without telling you about it. It is such an eventful thing, you would know about it anyway.
Remember, this is mostly a once-a-year activity and not all Haitians eat cat meat. Next time someone offers you a plate of Haitian food or invites you to a Reveyon, go ahead and enjoy.
Remember, eating cats is exclusive to a select group of Haitians mostly from the countryside, and Haitians don't kill and eat cats in other countries.
Conclusion
Do Haitians eat cats?
Yes. It is a tradition exclusive to a select group of Haitians from mostly the countryside.
Should you try it?
Maybe. I don't think it's for everyone because you may find it repugnant.
But you'll never know if you don't try. You may end up liking it very much.
What do you think? Would you eat cat meat?
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