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Before we begin, I want to make one thing clear. I love my cat. I am happy that I made the drunken decision to allow his pitiful meows to seduce me into picking him up and taking him to my apartment for a “quick drink of milk.”
Six years later, he’s sitting on my lap as I write this. He’s a part of the family now.
However, I feel it is my duty to inform other animal lovers of the implications of my choice to “save” a stray animal in the hopes of making sure you don’t get yourself into something you can’t handle. Of course, if you already have a pet and are making it work, that’s awesome! This article is more for those who aren’t planning to live in Japan forever but feel a tug at their heartstrings when they see a stray kitten on the street in Japan.
There are some aspects of your life in Japan that will get harder (or downright impossible) if you too decide to save a stray animal (or buy an impossibly expensive one from a pet shop) during your stay in Japan.
Click here to read more.
© GaijinPot
8 Comments
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Maria
What a shame this was attached to the end of this introduction. Do not do that. Do not buy, even if the animal is discounted, even if you feel sorry for it and think you're saving it. You would just be supporting mostly unregulated breeding. You would not be assured of a healthier cat, and you would be supporting a cruel industry. There are plenty of animal rescue shelters all over Japan - ARK, Japan Cat Network, Angels With Fur, to name but three of many.
Nippori Nick
I am continually amazed at the prices of dogs and cats in Japan.
People actually pay that much?
Brian Wheway
How much would you be expected to pay for a dog or a cat from a pet shop in Japan? you can get a cheap C or D from a friend here in the Uk but the price can go up and up for a KC registered C or D from a breeder...
cleo
Live without pets? Never. Not for long, anyways.
Stephen Denney
Yes, if you want a dog or cat, I can't stress enough how important it is you get a stray or one from a shelter. The pet shop industry here is abysmal. Breeding farms with 'sows' kept constanty pregnant (and offspiring birthed be Cesarian to soles things up).) The kittens/Philippines kept in cramped conditions at the shop.... until they have passed the 'kawaii' stage at which time they are summmarily gassed en masse. But the Japanese populace is oblivious for the most part, some willfully so. You walk into any pet shop and all her her are the constant squeals of 'KAWAII!" (Never the more appropriate KAWAISO). We gaijin are supposed to be susceptible to KY ((kukiyomenai); but I would suggest thie average Japanese reaction in this situation is much more laughable than any faux pas made my Joe Bloggs straight of the boat from Gainjinland. If I you inquire about this lack of awareness, the locals either 1) Can't believe it could possibly be the case in ''animal loving' Japan (I assume this means they have seen the monkeys and stuff on Shimura Ken's show and think it all inspiring, and innocent way like a demeaning circus act that was banned in the 70s in the west.) Or 2) Tell you they'd never get a pet from a shelter because they are KITANAI.......
Nippori Nick
Plenty of cats here in the 300,000 (and some are more than double that) yen and up range and dogs at ridiculous prices. I mean 500,000 yen for a Chihuahua. Crazy
Never seen prices like that in my home country (Canada)
http://www.ahb.jpn.com/cats http://www.ahb.jpn.com/dogs
Elena GF
I agree with Maria, don't buy but adopt instead. You can't believe how many animals are in shelters, even pure breeds... Pet loving Japan...I doubt that
KTdid
Bear in mind; any pet (dog, cat, fish, etc.) is a lifelong commitment - they are not disposable. Their VET care, food, bedding, and for cats (cat litter) and for dogs (walking for exercise) is not debatable. Once you accept the responsibility you will be rewarded tenfold with their unconditional love.