Sometimes, you people ask me questions and I like that because I often don’t know the answer either, and then I get to try to find the answer for both of us. Recently, someone asked me why there are all these big PET bottles full of water lined up around people’s homes and gardens. I asked someone and found the answer. Apparently, those bottles keep away stray cats. Cats don’t like seeing the shiny surface of the bottles in the dark, and they will avoid settling near or peeing around a home with PET bottles around it. There you go. Mystery solved. Whether or not this is true is another story, though. What do you think? Do you have any other questions for me?
9 comments:
Thank you for that info, Julie. My sister and I were wondering about that for almost 2 weeks. I only saw 2 houses in nearby blocks here in Kobe with that setup. I thought maybe it has something to do with a Japanese superstition or belief but not many houses have this.
in my hometown the seafood markets and delis hang clear plastic bags full of water above the doors and windows because it keeps the flies out. tested and true. had no idea it was used on cats, tho?
Just asked my wife about it and yes it is true! Something I'd been wondering about for years myself without really being aware I was! As to whether it works though is another question...
thats so funny because it's something i noticed while on vacation in tokyo! didn't think to research it though, so thank you!
I live in melbourne australia and we do that here also! it keeps cats and dogs away from peeing and pooping in your front and back yards :)
It would be funny if they made (and used) glass bottles in the shape of Maneki Nekos to ward off the cats....with cats. I suppose the sense of irony would be lost on many?
I heard this too (from our Japanese friends) but knowing cats, I can't see that they would let some measly bottles stop them.
Love your blog! I had also heard the water bottles were for washing away dog pee.
Ha! Thanks for investigating! I think that makes sense... I know I have tons of questions... OH like this- why do some people who choose to walk up escalators, like myself, have to stop as they get a few steps to the top, as if they are being really cautious to get off?! I mean- you're already walking, just walk off, don't stop.. right?! This happens to me all the time in Osaka!!
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