Having spent a year and a half living in Japan, a noticeable difference in feline behavior compared to cats in my native England, and indeed, reports from people in other European countries and the USA, has become apparent.
In England, the typical cat persona leans towards shyness, often retreating from unfamiliar humans. A smaller subset might be described as gregarious, approaching strangers and soliciting affection. However, in Japan, a common sight is cats simply existing in public spaces, often seemingly indifferent to passersby, a stark contrast to my previous experiences. While one might expect such behavior from cats accustomed to busy environments like bars or shops in the West, in Japan, this nonchalant attitude is prevalent even in ordinary street settings.
Another key distinction lies in territoriality. British cats tend to be fiercely territorial, often engaging in fights with other felines. Seeing multiple cats peacefully coexisting outdoors, unless confined within a space like a house, is unusual. Yet, in Japan, witnessing two or three cats calmly sitting in close proximity in outdoor environments is a regular occurrence.
These behavioral nuances are not just anecdotal; they are observable. Online platforms like YouTube offer glimpses into this phenomenon. For instance, while the cats in this video might exhibit trained behaviors, the general demeanor of cats encountered in Japanese public spaces often echoes this calm and unbothered attitude.
Two Japanese cats sitting calmly side by side in a public space, seemingly ignoring passersby.
This raises a compelling question: what underlies these behavioral differences between Japanese Cats and their European counterparts? Several potential explanations come to mind. Genetics could play a role, perhaps through selective pressures over generations. The exceptionally high population density in Japan, for both humans and felines, might also contribute, fostering a different kind of adaptation. Furthermore, the cultural context cannot be ignored. Japanese cultural attitudes towards cats, where they are often viewed as symbols of good fortune, might influence both human and feline behavior.
Are these behavioral divergences genetically ingrained? Could population density be a key shaping factor? Or is it the distinct way Japanese people interact with cats that molds their behavior? Have these fascinating differences between Japanese and European cat behaviors been the subject of scientific inquiry, and if so, are there established answers? Exploring these possibilities could unlock a deeper understanding of feline behavior and the interplay between genetics, environment, and culture.
