On May 1, an unexpected accident occurred at a hotpot restaurant in Jiulongpo district, Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. A kitten fell from a height into the boiling broth of an open-air hotpot, splashing hot oil that scalded nine customers and causing severe injuries to itself, the People’s Daily reported.

Following the accident, the restaurant co-owner surnamed Zhong stated that they immediately sent the injured customers to hospital for checkups and compensated all nine victims for clothing damage and emotional distress, totaling 13,000 yuan ($1,796), according to the report.

The restaurant also covered subsequent medical expenses and replaced two severely damaged phones. Additionally, all other diners present that day received complimentary meals. 

Although surveillance footage couldn't clarify how the kitten fell, Zhong said compensating injured customers was an absolute obligation. 

The restaurant has since installed canopies over both premises to prevent recurrences.

Zhong also took the kitten to a veterinary clinic, where the veterinarian decided to cover the full cost of the treatment. "This accident was unexpected for both the kitten and restaurant. We admire Zhong's compassion and integrity," explained the clinic director, who additionally offered the kitten lifelong annual checkups, according to the report.

The restaurant’s follow-up responses toward both customers and the kitten have won praise from netizens, with some vowing to visit and praising the owner's accountability. 

Some humorously suggested rebranding the restaurant using this “culprit” kitten, but Zhong declined, valuing their original name's meaning, and refusing to exploit the kitten’s popularity. "Quality service and authentic flavors matter most," he said.

However, the kitten's condition suddenly deteriorated in the early hours of the May 6, according to both Zhong and the veterinary clinic. Despite two hours of emergency treatment, the kitten passed away that morning, the report stated.

Global Times