[Cats, Tsugura, and Cramped Spaces]

A family member who keeps a cat at my parents' house recently sent us a photo of a badly torn shoji screen. Apparently, the cat had been hiding in the narrow gap between the window and the shoji and, when it was startled by an unexpected visitor, burst through the shoji in a panic. Cats have a strong tendency to squeeze into small, dimly lit spaces—whether it's between the window and the shoji, between futons, inside cardboard boxes, in the corners of closets, or even behind a vase on the Buddhist altar. One might wonder why they seek out such cramped places, but this behavior is said to be a remnant of their wild ancestry. In the past, cats needed to protect themselves from predators and rest in safe environments. Even today, they retain the instinct to hide in narrow crevices or rocky shelters, where they once caught mice and insects or took cover from larger carnivores. That instinct, it seems, lives on in modern cats.

There are many cat goods in the world, but one that makes perfect sense once you understand feline behavior is the nekotsugura—a product filled with traditional wisdom and the warmth of natural materials. A nekotsugura is a dome-shaped cat house made of woven rice straw, traditionally crafted in rural areas of Nagano and Niigata prefectures. It is said to have originated as a container for storing rice bins to keep the rice inside them warm, or as a cradle for infants during farm work. Over time, it gradually evolved into a house for cats. The small entrance, the soft texture of the straw, the moderate narrowness and dimness—these features make it an ideal hiding place for cats.

Waramu's Nekotsugura is made from rare shirake mochi straw, the same type used in sumo wrestling rings, and each piece is carefully handwoven by skilled craftspeople. A small opening in the ceiling, known as a “cat window,” allows for excellent ventilation and a gentle airflow, keeping the interior comfortable even during the summer. The cat can be seen casually through the entrance and the cat window, offering peace of mind to its owner. With its tightly woven, beautiful structure and the gentle softness of natural materials, the nekotsugura provides a cozy space for cats—and a calming presence for those who look at it.

“Environmental enrichment” is the process of preparing living environments for animals based on an understanding of their natural habits and characteristics in order for them to live happily and comfortably. Traditionally, this concept has been used in zoos and aquariums, but recently it has come to the attention of the general public as being applicable to pet dogs and cats as well. It is said that living in harmony with instincts can reduce stress, prevent illness, and lead to a longer life for cats. The cat's instinct to seek out small spaces is carefully woven with natural materials, and it seems to be a form of culture itself, combining the wisdom of people cultivated over a long period of time and their gentle concern for cats.

Waramu's Nekotsugura
https://www.shokunin.com/en/waramu/nekotsugura.html
Imadegawa Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/imadegawa.html

References
https://pet-lifestyle.com/blogs/view/723
https://kotobank.jp/word/%E3%81%A4%E3%81%90%E3%82%89-571405
https://cat.benesse.ne.jp/withcat/content/?id=151687