You’ve probably noticed something a little unusual if you’ve ever taken a walk down the quiet residential streets of Japan: clear plastic water bottles sitting in neat rows along walls, fences, or the edges of gardens. It’s easy to think they might just be forgotten trash or someone’s picnic leftovers. However, these bottles are actually placed there on purpose, and they have a special name: nekoyoke, which means “cat deterrents.”
Why Are These Bottles There?
Even though cats are incredibly popular in Japan and cherished by many, stray cats can sometimes cause problems. For example, they can spread diseases or cause damage to people’s property, like gardens or outdoor areas. Because of this, some local residents put these water bottles outside their homes. Their main goal is to try and stop stray cats from using these areas as a bathroom (littering grounds) or from coming into their private spaces.
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