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Jun 26, 2018

Getting a Cat

I was curious if anyone was has gotten a cat in Japan. I am planning on getting a cat, but there are not as many shelters in Japan as America. I want to hear any tips.

ReishiiTravels

ReishiiTravels

Teacher, Traveler, Dancer -
Currently living in Gifu -
I love Japan, dance, cats, food, and fashion!

5 Answers



Best Answer

  • genkidesu

    on Jun 27

    The main place I knew of when living in Tokyo was Ark (http://www.arkbark.net/en/) who did animal adoption. However since you're in Aichi, there's apparently a place in Nagoya... Nagoya City Animal Welfare Shelter 2-106 Peace Park, Chikusa Ku, Nagoya City, Aichi 052-762-0380 Might be worth a shot to see with them if they do animal rehoming! Best of luck - I've definitely found that there's less adoption centers here than what I'm used to back home as well.

    1
  • Lyssays

    on Jun 27

    Good for you! There are so many cats in need in Japan and not enough people wanting to adopt from shelters. I'm not sure about shelters in your area, but you could try asking Japan Cat Network. While they have their own shelter (in Fukushima), they provide loads of advice and support about cat-related things for everyone in Japan who is interested in them, and their knowledge goes far beyond their local area. It's all in English and they have a Facebook group. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/japancatnetwork/ Website: https://japancatnetwork.org/

    1
  • helloalissa

    on Jun 27

    Definitely not as many pet shelters as back home, but it's worth the research if you've seen how much pets are in pet shops. I've been asked if I want a cat from owners who have kittens, so you could ask around & check on classifieds. If there's a veterinarian office nearby, you could always ask them to let you know when they have kittens available too.

    1
  • BigfamJapan

    on Jul 5

    I don't know of anywhere in Aichi, but I do know that there are some rescue cat cafes where you can go visit the cats and build a relationship with one (or more) then bring them home if you've developed a rapport. Our local cat cafe (Kawagoe) is one of those. We unfortunately can't get a cat due to my DH's allergies, but I bring the kids there to play with cats sometimes. :-)

    1
  • Kohaku

    on Nov 1

    Check your local or prefecture newspaper. Mine has a little "ad" for an adoptable pet every single day. Usually a cute picture, the animal's name, and a little blurb about them. I had a cat for a while, but ended up having to find her a new home. I lived in a really rural town with a lot of strays in the neighborhood. Having an un-spayed female cat in my house drew in a lot of tomcats that would prowl around and howl all night long...

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