AI Cat Account Lands Prada and Volkswagen Deals
Followers of AI-generated cat content should weigh sponsored pet posts carefully as the sector grows and brands move in.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Cats
Meow Ziqi, an AI-generated cat social media account, has landed brand sponsorships with Prada, Volkswagen and Estée Lauder. The account launched in April 2026 and has amassed over 1.76 million followers and more than 500 million views.
Why it matters
The account shows how AI-generated animal content can now attract major global brands, not only small creators. Its sponsorship income covers the roughly 10,000 yuan (US$1,500) monthly cost of computing power, making the model financially self-sustaining for its operator.
The account has 1.76 million followers and over 500 million views since its April launch. The creator's sponsorship income exceeds his roughly 10,000 yuan (US$1,500) monthly computing costs.
The players
Meow Ziqi
An AI-generated cat social media account featuring three cats that cook traditional Chinese dishes and practise heritage crafts.
Li Ziqi
A Sichuan-born cultural influencer who captivated over 56 million fans worldwide with cinematic depictions of rustic life.
Prada
A luxury fashion house that has signed a brand sponsorship with the Meow Ziqi account.
Volkswagen
A global automaker that has signed a brand sponsorship with the Meow Ziqi account.
Estée Lauder
A global beauty company that has signed a brand sponsorship with the Meow Ziqi account.
The details
The account features three AI-generated cats that cook traditional Chinese dishes and practise heritage crafts. The creator, a 29-year-old self-taught content creator who previously worked as a real estate copywriter, combines brand sponsorships with online courses and branded merchandise to generate income. He drew inspiration from his two pet cats to make the AI-generated content.
Timeline
April 2026: Meow Ziqi launched and began gaining popularity.
2021: Li Ziqi began a three-year hiatus after a legal feud with her former agency.
2024: Li Ziqi returned with a lacquer art series.
January 2026: Li Ziqi appeared in a UNESCO promotional video.
The Home Front
Li Ziqi's three-year hiatus after a 2021 legal feud with her former agency shows how dependent creator-led content has been on individual personalities. The AI-generated model shifts that dependence onto production tools and sponsorship markets.
If you share pet videos or follow feline creators, check whether sponsored posts disclose AI-generated content before you rely on them for pet care advice. Keep your own cat's routines, vet records and care questions with a licensed veterinarian rather than with social media accounts.
The takeaway
AI-generated animal accounts can now reach millions of followers and attract global brands, so treat sponsored pet content with the same scrutiny you would apply to any advertising. Keep reliable pet care information on file from your veterinarian.
Further reading
Explore more stories in our Cats section for context on how online feline content is changing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South China Morning Post.
