On the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, fans were shocked to learn that their beloved cat-inspired character is, in fact, not a feline at all — she's a little girl.

Hello Kitty is, brace yourselves, not actually a cat, according to her creators. The iconic character, made by Japanese company Sanrio, is celebrating her 50th anniversary this year - and with it ...

Hello Kitty has been such a hit that other firms are trying to replicate her success. Chinese companies are investing in new cartoons; Sanrio, too, frequently puts out more characters.