For a city that in many ways seems unfriendly to animals, there are a surprising amount of stray — or at least semi-stray — cats knocking about. Creatures that whether scavenging, or more than likely cajoling food from some of the capital’s many cat fans, seem to survive quite comfortably. Allowing them to roam Tokyo’s alleyways fairly care free.
June says
Nice shot! He/she is wearing a collar so I assume it has a home.
I’d have thought most cats in Tokyo would be house cats. Is that not the case?
Lee says
Cheers!
Yes. Good point. Perhaps just having a day out then!
From the cat owners I’ve spoken too, yes, house cats do seem to be the norm. But that said, in many of the older parts of the city, it’s amazing how many cats can be seen roaming the streets and alleyways.
Ken says
You, on your own, in an ally with a cat! The things you do for your photography.
Lee says
I know, but mercifully it was a clean and not unpleasant smelling alley. And the cat was wonderfully indifferent to my presence!
Randy Bush says
We’re in Ichigaya-Yakuoji-machi and do indulge three collar-less ‘strays’. ‘Stray’ cats seem in very good shape.
Lee says
Glad to hear it. On the whole that’s what I’ve always found too. No doubt due to kind people like yourself.
Randy says
btw, i am told that there is a notch in the ear of a cat which has been picked up, neutered, and given shots.
Lee says
Interesting. Had a look at my one other shot of the cat. Could see both its ears fairly clearly, but there didn’t seem to be any notch at all…
LAObserver says
Stray or feral cats should be honored guests. Years ago some researcher in the British Isles determined that combined, domestic and feral cats removed 250 million pests from their areas of control. Impressive by any standard.
Lee says
Blimey, that’s a huge amount.
Tokyo has no shortage of rats, so yeah, honoured they should be. They have a big job to do.
ameiji says
This photo and the previous one seem to complement each other nicely 🙂
Lee says
They do, don’t they? Hadn’t even thought of that until you mentioned it. Cheers!
GenjiG says
Nice shot. Coincedentely I just saw this post:
http://reframe.gizmodo.com/the-alley-cats-of-japan-look-pretty-badass-1634206561/all
I guess it is right up your alley 😉
Lee says
Haha, it most definitely is!
Cheers. Good to see they are getting more coverage!