Why Are There Water Bottles Outside Homes in Japan? The Curious Tradition of Nekoyoke
Strolling through the quiet backstreets of Japan, you might spot something unusual along fences or at the edge of gardens—clear plastic water bottles lined up like sentries. They’re not discarded trash or forgotten leftovers. These bottles serve a specific purpose: to keep stray cats away.
Known locally as nekoyoke, or “cat repellents,” these water bottles are a common sight in Japanese neighborhoods. Although cats are beloved in Japanese culture—appearing in everything from folklore to convenience store mascots—feral cats can cause damage to gardens and spread disease. Homeowners and shopkeepers alike have adopted this unusual method in hopes of discouraging feline intruders.
The idea is simple: sunlight or streetlights reflecting through the water is thought to create flashes of light or visual distortions that confuse or scare cats. Some believe the reflections disrupt a cat’s sense of depth, while others say the movement of light startles them.
Interestingly, this practice didn’t originate in Japan. It reportedly began in the West during the 1980s as a dog deterrent. Over time, Japan adapted the idea—repurposing it for cats and integrating it into urban and suburban landscapes.
But does it actually work?
Experts in animal behavior largely agree it doesn’t. There’s no scientific backing that water bottles effectively ward off cats, especially when light is low or absent. Still, many residents continue the practice—perhaps out of habit, perhaps out of quiet hope that it helps.
Whether effective or not, these water bottles are harmless and have come to represent something more than pest control. They reflect a uniquely Japanese blend of ingenuity, tidiness, and subtle community problem-solving. Over time, nekoyoke has evolved from practical tool to quaint cultural icon.
So next time you’re wandering through a Japanese neighborhood and notice those clear bottles standing quietly along the path, you’ll know: it’s not litter—it’s a glimpse into a fascinating local custom.