Dogs or Cats? Life with Pets in Japan

Meta Description　　　
A gentle Easy Japanese Listening Practice story for Japanese Beginners. Learn Japanese through everyday topics like dogs, cats, and how pet life differs between Japan and other countries.

Introduction

Today’s post is part of my Easy Japanese Listening Practice series for Japanese Beginners.
If you enjoy learning about everyday Japanese culture, this simple story about dogs and cats will help you Learn Japanese naturally while discovering real Japanese life.

Life with My Cats

Although I used to be a dog person, my Japanese pet life changed when a small kitten wandered into my home.
Now I live with two four-year-old cats who enjoy their warm “cat kotatsu” during Japan’s cold winter.
Learning about pets is a fun way to explore Japanese Language Learning through daily experiences.

Living with My Dog in Japan

I also have an eleven-year-old Shiba-mix living outdoors, which is still common in some areas of Japan.
Stray dogs are now rare because of strict regulations, and rescue groups support many abandoned animals.
This situation offers insight into modern Japanese pet culture, which can be interesting for anyone studying Japanese for Beginners.

Stray Animals Overseas

When I traveled through Southeast Asia and South America, I saw many stray dogs and experienced the risks of rabies.
These cultural differences help learners understand how animals are treated outside Japan—useful context for Japanese Language Learning.
In the Middle East, especially Syria, I saw the opposite: many stray cats but almost no dogs due to religious traditions.

Listener Questions

1 Would you like some Japanese Listening Practice?
2 Here are a few easy questions:
3 Are you a dog person or a cat person?
4 Do you have pets, and do you keep them indoors or outdoors?
5 Have you ever owned an unusual animal?

Key Takeaways

Japan has fewer stray dogs than many countries.
Cats in Japan enjoy warm winter items like cat kotatsu.
Rescue culture is growing in Japan.
Pet life varies by region due to climate, safety, and religion.
Learning about pets is a simple way to practice Easy Japanese.