Japan’s comparatively cramped housing means there’s not only less room for a home’s human occupants, but for its animal residents as well. Because of this, you may sometimes see pets spending a few hours a day in cages that, in other countries, would ordinarily be able to run free around the house.
But if the sight of a cat behind bars makes you feel a little sad, you’ll be happy to know that at least one Japanese feline can apparently escape whenever he feels like it.
YouTube user Asuna Kobayashi is the owner of Basil, the Munchkin who stars in the video. Even though Kobayashi makes a point of securing the door to Basil’s cage, the cat has been getting out somehow. So the kitty’s owner decided to set up a camera in order to see just how Basil has been making his escapes.
Basil doesn’t need to rely on explosives, a complex tunnel network, or even any outside help to make his jailbreak. Instead, all he has to do is slip a paw through the bars…
…and slide out the pin that’s securing the simple latch.
Still, Basil doesn’t immediately make a break for it. Maybe he realizes he’s being watched and just playing dumb, but while the door is now unlocked, he shows more outward interest in the pin itself.
▼ “Can I eat it?”
But the Munchkin knows exactly what he’s doing, as demonstrated in another video, uploaded to Niconico Douga, where he once again repeats the process, but this time nudges the door open.
The clip ends before Basil hops out of the cage, so we’re assuming Kobayashi quickly apprehended her pet. It’s a good thing, too, because there’s no telling how far he could have gotten with no one around to stop him. Given the level of cunning and coordination Basil has already shown, we wouldn’t be surprised if he can also figure out how to work the apartment’s front door and hotwire a car, turning his temporary escape into a permanent relocation.
▼ “So long, Asuna! I left you a little going away present in the litter box!”
Source: Nari Nari
Top image: YouTube
Insert images: YouTube, Niconico Douga, Mazda
Clever escape artist kitten is gonna get out of its cage no matter what, and you can’t stop it
Cute cat rescues sister from cardboard box 【Video】
“Rabbits are liquid?” Escape artist bunny breaks free of its cage in Japan【Video】
Adorable before and after photos show how much being loved and cared for can affect a cat
Cute cat’s curiosity kills the Japanese sliding paper door 【Video】
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Japan’s ultracompact kei car taxis are now ready for travelers to ride, if you know where to find them
Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail
Gundam’s Char Aznable normal suit becomes roomwear for doing normal stuff in the real world [Pics]
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Sulky Shiba can’t hear you… or can he!? 【Video】
Cute cat puts smile on owner’s face with adorable surprise behind closed door
Cute cat sleeps like a human, doesn’t even stir when his owner tucks him in
Japanese cat does a perfectly graceful acrobatic flip to escape from the perilous shower room【Video】
Adorable Japanese cat shows off its purr-fect hiding spot to attack owner’s feet 【Video】
Japanese cat who can’t sleep unless it chats with owner melts hearts across the Internet
Cat videos with Sword Art Online dialogue are action-packed, romantic, and official【Videos】
Japanese kitty shows us that a cat pillow is a critical component of a proper cat nap【Video】
Adorable video shows a bunch of cats tracking a stink bug flying back and forth across the room
Cute cat discovers bathtub for first time, eventually learns how to jump out after falling in
Internet falls in love with cat’s first-ever encounter with carpet
“He’s too cute, I can’t give him back.” Missing cat case makes fur fly on Twitter