Wander through a quiet residential neighborhood in Japan, and you might spot something puzzling: clear plastic water bottles neatly placed along fences, walls, or the edges of driveways and gardens. They’re not trash, nor forgotten drinks. These bottles are intentionally arranged—part of a long-standing folk practice known as nekoyoke (猫除け), meaning “cat repellent.”
Despite Japan’s deep affection for cats—evident in everything from shrines dedicated to feline deities to the worldwide popularity of Hello Kitty and cat cafés—there’s a more practical side to the relationship. Stray cats, common in both urban and rural areas, can cause a range of problems: digging in flower beds, spraying property, damaging gardens, and potentially spreading parasites or diseases.
To prevent this, some homeowners began placing water-filled bottles outside as a way to ward off cats. While the method seems unconventional, it’s surprisingly widespread. Many residents continue the practice out of habit or community tradition, believing it to be a gentle, non-invasive solution.
Why Water Bottles?
The most popular theory behind their use is based on light. When sunlight or artificial lights hit the water-filled bottle, it creates unpredictable flashes or glints. These flashes may startle or confuse cats, deterring them from crossing certain areas. Other beliefs suggest that the light distortions affect a cat’s depth perception, or that reflections of their own face in the bottle’s curve can cause hesitation.
There’s even speculation that the bottles produce visual “noise” in the peripheral vision of a cat, which relies heavily on subtle motion cues. To a curious feline, the warped reflections might seem like a predator—or simply something unfamiliar and best avoided.
Where Did This Idea Come From?
Interestingly, the practice doesn’t have purely Japanese origins. It’s thought to have begun in the West, possibly the UK or the U.S., during the 1980s as a way to keep dogs away from yards. Japan adopted and adapted the concept, shifting its focus to stray cats and implementing it with typical precision and aesthetic care.
Today, you’ll see rows of water bottles positioned with intent and consistency—often all identical, filled to the same level, and placed symmetrically. It speaks to broader cultural themes of respect for personal space, community harmony, and the subtle art of dealing with conflict without confrontation.
But Does It Really Work?
According to animal behavior experts, not really. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that cats are consistently deterred by water bottles. Most cats eventually ignore the bottles entirely, especially in shaded or dim areas where reflections are minimal. Curious or bold cats may even approach the bottles, sniffing or knocking them over.
Still, the practice persists. In part, that’s because it does no harm. It doesn’t poison, trap, or injure the animal. It simply might work—plus, it’s inexpensive and easy to try. For many, it’s as much a symbolic gesture as a practical solution.
A Cultural Symbol in Disguise
Over time, nekoyoke has taken on a life of its own. It’s become less about pest control and more of a cultural curiosity—a visual quirk that travelers and locals alike recognize. The sight of water bottles by a fence is now part of the fabric of Japanese neighborhoods, especially older ones. It tells a story not just about cats, but about creativity, tradition, and the quiet, thoughtful ways people in Japan try to maintain order without causing disruption.
So, the next time you spot a row of water bottles near a garden wall in Japan, you’ll know there’s more to them than meets the eye. Whether effective or not, they reflect a deeper philosophy: solve problems gently, live in harmony with nature—and never underestimate the power of small acts with big meaning.
