While the demographic disparity between the two pet types has narrowed over the years, JPFA figures show the country takes a greater interest in dogs, with 23% of Japanese saying they would like to have one compared to 16% for cats. Motives for ownership, on the other hand, tend to be similar.
Cats: you either love them or you hate them. But not in Japan; in Japan, cats are a universally beloved part of culture and are believed to bring good fortune with them wherever they go.
In Japan, cats are revered for giving good luck and other positive results. The popular Japanese cat figurine maneki-neko (招き猫, “beckoning cat”) is typically believed to bring such blessings.
Since then, the royal grounds have become the Hermitage Museum, and though Russia no longer has queens, cats still reign supreme, both at the museum and in the people's hearts. A recent study of cat ownership in 52 countries found that Russians love cats more than anyone on the planet.
Cats are everywhere in Japan. While it is easy to see they are well-loved, Japan also fears cats. The country has a long, often terrifying history of folklore involving monstrous supernatural cats.
It is said that the domestic cat first came to Japan in 538 (or 552) A.D. It is generally thought that cats were introduced at the same time as Buddhism, to protect sacred texts from the damage mice can cause. Genetic research indicates that the domestic cat probably came to Japan from India, via China.
It is widely known that Egyptians venerated cats while worshiping cat-deities that represented fertility, power, and justice (Malek 1997).
Aoshima, has so many cats because it was a fishing hot-spot back in the 1900's and fishermen repeatedly had problems with mice on their boats, so would often adopt cats as a solution. What is this? Over time the cats would venture onto the islands and this has led to their mass population now.
Animal Medicines Australia
Dogs continue to be Australia's most popular pets, with just over 5 million dogs across the nation. Forty per cent of Australian households have at least one dog (largely unchanged since 2016, at 38%).
The maneki-neko (招き猫, lit. 'beckoning cat') is a common Japanese figurine which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner.
Why the obsession? In Japanese folklore, cats have protective powers and symbolize good fortune. A bobtail supposedly lured a feudal lord with a "come hither" gesture, which saved him from being struck by lightning.
Cat-lover territory includes the huge territories of Canada (52.3% of cat or dog photos are cats), China (88.2% cats), and Russia (64% cats). The dogs take more continents, though.
In Japan, kids are mostly in love with keeping dogs as pets. They are very popular in Japan and can be easily bought from any pet shop or health center. Because those who no longer can take care of their pets usually leave their pets over there. Basically, in Japanese culture, the life of dogs is fantastic.
Cats are often cast in this protective role in Japanese folklore, where they can also symbolise good fortune. Tezuka noted that Japan's love of cats has more practical origins than America's admiration of dogs. “Cats have played a functional role in many cultures throughout history,” she said.
In Islam, cats are viewed as holy animals. Above all, they are admired for their cleanliness. They are thought to be ritually clean which is why they're allowed to enter homes and even mosques. According to authentic narrations, one may make ablution for prayer with the same water that a cat has drunk from.
Unlike Western countries, cats have been considered good luck in Russia for centuries. Owning a cat, and especially letting one into a new house before the humans move in, is said to bring good fortune. Cats in Orthodox Christianity are the only animals that are allowed to enter the temples.
In Japan, black cats are a sign of wealth and prosperity. For stage directors, seeing a black cat in your theater on opening night meant your play would have a long, successful run. In ancient Egypt, black cats were revered and believed to represent Bastet, Goddess of fertility, and childbirth.
One of the weirdest things about comparing languages is when you find out that different languages have different ways of imitating the sounds animals make. For example, in English cats say “meow,” but in Japan, they say “nyao,” “nya,” or “nyan.”
In Japan, black cats are upheld as symbols of good luck, especially for single women, as they are revered for attracting fine, potential suitors. The ancient Egyptians worshipped ALL cats, black ones included. They even worshipped a cat goddess, called Bastet, who was known for her protective spirit.
Hello Kitty sold well immediately after her 1975 launch, and Sanrio's sales increased sevenfold. Due to Japan's growing economy, many Japanese children could afford to buy Hello Kitty products. Her popularity also grew with the emergence of kawaii culture, which embraces cuteness.
Cats have become the most favored pets in urban China, outnumbering dogs in 2021, according to a study on the nation's pet industry. The market value of the pet economy in China is expected to reach nearly 500 billion yuan (US$74 billion) in 2022 as more single young people and the elderly decide to be pet owners.