Why do the Japanese place water bottles around their homes instead of storing them in the refrigerator?

Walk through a quiet Japanese neighborhood, and you might notice something odd: rows of clear plastic water bottles neatly lined up along fences, walls, or driveways. They’re not trash or forgotten drinks. Instead, they’re part of a long-standing folk practice called *nekoyoke* (猫除け), meaning “cat repellent.”

Japan has a deep affection for cats, from shrines and folklore to Hello Kitty and cat cafés. Yet stray cats can also cause headaches—digging up gardens, spraying walls, or spreading parasites. To discourage them, some homeowners began placing water-filled bottles outside.

The reasoning? Sunlight reflecting through the bottles creates glints and distortions that, in theory, confuse or startle cats. Some believe the warped reflections affect depth perception or resemble unfamiliar shapes, causing felines to hesitate. Others think it’s simply visual “noise” in their peripheral vision.

The idea isn’t uniquely Japanese. It likely originated in the West during the 1980s as a way to deter dogs, before Japan adopted it—refining it with typical care and symmetry. Bottles are often identical, filled to the same level, and placed with deliberate precision.

But does it actually work? Animal experts say no. Most cats quickly ignore the bottles, especially in shaded areas. Still, the practice continues because it’s harmless, inexpensive, and deeply symbolic.

Today, *nekoyoke* has become less about pest control and more a cultural curiosity. The sight of water bottles lining a garden wall speaks to Japan’s subtle philosophy: tackling problems gently, preserving harmony, and finding quiet solutions that blend into everyday life.