We take a look back at a compilation of photos from Japanese net users of some of the most adorable and unexpected places cats have been caught napping over the years.
By now, we all know that cat-related media constitutes a pretty significant chunk of the digital content floating around on the internet. We all enjoy seeing the little furballs doing their thing, and entire sites exist for the sole purpose of generating well-curated, seemingly limitless lists of cat images and videos.
Though we admit we can never hope to rival that level of feline-fandom, like many others, we do enjoy a good series of cute cat photos. So sit back and feel your stress melt away as we present you a parade of some of the cutest cats you’ve hopefully seen today.
▼Author’s own cat, “Mu,” sprawled out in an alluring pose
With today’s retrospective, we offer a look back at some of the cutest, and at times baffling, images of sleeping cats captured by Japanese netizens in recent years.
The first, I call, “The Gymnast”. This image shows a cute white little cat hanging precariously from a laundry drying rack during a nap. The bars pressing against its body cause its round, adorable stomach to protrude slightly, while its legs hang limply in space. Meanwhile, its tail is daintily draped across another bar.
▼Something tells me this can’t be comfortable.
https://twitter.com/koniabeer/status/387357528830402560The next image in this series shows a cat protruding from the exhaust pipe of a car. While this little fella seems to be sleeping soundly, this position concerns us slightly. Let’s hope it has the good sense to leave before the car turns on!
▼A cuter way to control carbon emissions!
https://twitter.com/nureru_nureru/status/420875246153891840Now this next cat might just qualify as my personal favorite on this list. The user explains that they were using this bamboo-shoot to enjoy some nagashi soumen, or flowing noodles. This common summer refreshment allows people to enjoy cold noodles as they travel down a tube filled with water. Instead of noodles, though, this guy seems to have ended up with an adorable kitty.
▼Again, these all just seem so precarious!
https://twitter.com/ent_rata/status/362709203254665216
Then there’s this adorable kitty who decided to take a nap on a toilet in a women’s restroom at the Dangozama Service Area! Apparently this one sleeping cat was holding up the line for everyone else — but who would want to be the one to wake it up anyway?
https://twitter.com/ajitama__/status/559291075198582786This next one requires no explanation, I think. Just imagining the series of circumstances that led to this scene is enough to amuse me. Suffice it to say I’d prefer this to sitting next to a profusely sweating businessman.
▼Sadly, most commutes in Japan don’t include ride-sharing service with cats.
おい、そこ人間が一番座りたいとこやで。 pic.twitter.com/P7ePEfY1hR
— さらば青春の光 森田哲矢 (@saraba_morita) March 14, 2015
On that note, I think it’s time to conclude this retrospective. My real life cat has apparently broken into the catnip supplies.
Source: Matome Naver
Top image: Twitter/素敵なレディ♡


Gorgeous snow-white cat is effortlessly adorable as he keeps warm this winter【Monday Kickstart】
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable kitten cosplays as Japanese swordsman from popular game Touken Ranbu
Japanese kitty picks a crazy spot for its daily catnap, becomes local celebrity【Video, photos】
Japan’s favourite sleeping cat is back and this time he’s found a new surprising place to snooze
Monday Kickstart: Laugh at these bewildering photos of cats standing in their litter boxes【Pics】
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Gama Land, the weird Japanese amusement park celebrating toads, is now like a ghost town
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro music box to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Fukuoka schools struggling to get kids to switch from milk to tea in lunches
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
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
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Heavy-sleeping Japanese cat refuses to wake up even when surrounded by ridiculous number of mice
Cute cat puts smile on owner’s face with adorable surprise behind closed door
Japanese cat sleeps so hard it flattens its head, scores a cuteness critical hit
Small children have magnetic “cat-attracting” ability, adorable photos from Japan show
Can you spot the real feline in this “opti-cat illusion?” 【Pics】
Low Japanese table plus freshly grilled fish and curious kitty equals adorable video 【Video】
Japanese cat who can’t sleep unless it chats with owner melts hearts across the Internet
Adorable ferrets sleep only when together, on top of their special blanket 【Pics】
Giant cats taking naps on train tracks — only in Japan
Nissan reminds us to check for sleeping cats before starting cars with adorable montage【Video】
Japanese netizens create adorable, edible “cat bread” 【Pics】
Kittens sleeping in foot-warming hot carpets are too cute for words 【Pics & Videos】
Just a bunch of adorable cats riding on trains in Japan
How do Japanese cats stay warm and accessorize during winter? With tail scarves, of course!