If you have wondered what it would be like to have a cat, but are afraid of the commitment to adopt one, an inn in Japan allows you to try this experience. Located in Yugawara (a city known for its hot springs) in Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan, My Cat Yugawara is an inn with a lovely proposal for its visitors: a “trial” sleepover with a cute cat.
The traditional Japanese inns known as “ryokans” are known for their characteristic minimalist designs and furniture, as well as communal bathrooms and personalized services. This particular ryokan has the added advantage that the guest can end up adopting a pet. The owner of My Cat Yugawara, Akihiro Ochi, saw the opportunity to help those who wish to have a cat, but do not know what it would be like to live with one. The owner wanted to offer a surefire taste of what it’s like to have a pet. The “trial packages” are in addition to the price of a normal room reservation. The rates at the inn are modest, but prices vary according to the size of the room. Some rooms can accommodate up to five people, so an entire family can experience a day with a pet.
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Those who wish to book a cat sleepover should first spend time at the establishment’s cat café, where staff can assess how comfortable they are with their cat residents. “We, the staff, know the personality of each and every one of our cat “kids” because of how close we are. The cats are intelligent, friendly, obedient and quiet,” says Ochi. The owner also explains that these sleepovers are a project made out of love for the cats. “We don’t operate for profit,” Ochi admits. “A large part of our income goes to maintaining the facilities, including feeding the cats and keeping them healthy.
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Guests (who are called “adoptive parents”) must accept the rules of the inn to be caretakers and roommates of a kitty. After this, a cat will arrive at the guest’s room at 5:30 p.m. and remain until 9:00 a.m. the next morning. During that time, guests may not leave the cat unsupervised. This is to encourage them to form a bond with the cat through feeding, litter box cleaning and play.
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
If guests enjoy their sleepover, they can move on to the next phase: they must complete an adoption application followed by an interview. This last stage is so that staff can determine if the guest and cat are a good fit for each other. Once adopted, the cats are “graduated” and their departure is celebrated. This novel idea for pet adoption and relationships between cats and potential owners is sure to create memorable stories and happier families.
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Photo credit: mycatyugawara
Learn more: mycat-yugawara.com