Big Paws, Bigger Adventures: My Life as a Traveling Cat in Japan

Hello, my name is Wokashi from Hokkaido, Japan. I’m a Maine Coon with big paws, a fluffy tail, and an even bigger sense of adventure. I may only be two years old (my birthday is on August 28th 🎂), but I’ve already seen more of Japan than many humans.

Most people imagine cats in Japan as cozy house companions, curled up on tatami mats or watching the world from a window. But my life shows that cats can live differently. We can explore with our humans, camp under the stars, and even ride trains in a safe cat explorer backpack.

My story isn’t just about me, it’s about changingthe way people think about life with cats. I want to show every cat parent that their feline can be an explorer too — with trust, training, and a little bit of courage.

Do Cats Like to Explore? (Trust Me, We Do)

Humans often ask, ”Do cats like to explore?” My answer is yes, but only when we feel safe. The outdoors can be confusing, even for a big cat like me. There are loud sounds, strangers, bugs that bite, and sometimes even scary bathtubs. That’s why the first step in every adventure is trusting your human.

Once you learn that, exploring feels like freedom. And if a dog crosses into my personal six-inch safety bubble? Well… let’s just say I’m not afraid to deliver a firm paw tap. Boundaries matter, even in the great outdoors.

Life on the Road: Cat Care While Traveling

Traveling with cats is still unusual in Japan. People stare when they see me walking proudly on a leash or peeking out from my backpack carrier. But I stay calm by watching my humans. If I feel stressed, I squeak to let them know. And when I need quiet time, I curl up in my backpack — my little safe zone.

This is part of modern cat care: helping cats adapt, stay calm, and feel secure in new environments. Exploring doesn’t mean neglecting safety. It means combining curiosity with comfort.

For many humans here, I’m proof that cats don’t have to stay behind. We can join the journey, creating memories beyond the backyard.

Growing Up Explorer

When I was younger, I didn’t mind being carried. Now, almost two, I prefer to walk on my own big paws. Independence is natural for cats — we’re curious creatures, and walking outside lets us explore safely at our own pace.

The more I travel, the more I show people that cats aren’t fragile ornaments. We’re companions, adventurers, and partners in discovery.

The Places That Stole My Heart

Japan is full of breathtaking spots, but my favorite will always be our tent at Lake Tōya. Imagine tall mountains, a glittering lake, and the sound of wind in the trees. Even a big cat like me feels small in nature — but when the tent goes up, it becomes home.

That’s the magic of travel: showing humans that cats can camp, hike, and explore safely with the right preparation.

Friends Around the World (Even Foxes!)

I love meeting new friends — humans, cats, dogs, even the strange “dogs” which my cat mom Fae calls foxes. Not everyone wants to be my friend, but I keep trying. (Hooman note by Fae: Wokashi is not actually allowed near foxes, but she finds them fascinating.)

This surprises many people in Japan, where cats are often seen as aloof. I like proving that we can be social, playful, and curious travel companions.

How I Found My Human

I still remember the day my cat mom and dad - Fae and Paul - came to visit. I was one of three kittens, and Fae played with me for hours while Paul spoke with my family. She had blue hair, and it was the most interesting thing I’d ever seen.

When they left, I waited at the door all week. Something in my whiskers told me they’d come back. And they did. That was the start of my forever story — not just adoption into a home, but into a lifestyle of adventure.

Why Cats Like to Explore: Lessons From the Journey

Exploring the outdoors isn’t just fun — it’s also preparation. In Japan, earthquakes remind us how quickly life can change. Because I’m harness-trained and used to new places, I’m ready if we ever need to leave home in a hurry.

That’s what I want other cat parents to understand: letting your cat explore isn’t only about chasing butterflies. It builds trust, resilience, and safety.

So the next time you wonder “why do cats like to explore?” — remember, it’s in our nature. Adventure helps us grow, just like it helps humans.

A Meow of Encouragement

To my fellow feline wanderers (and their humans): don’t be afraid to imagine a new way of life. The outside world isn’t only for dogs or people. It’s for us too.

Sniff the flowers. Sit by the water. Walk the trail together. Life is full of adventures waiting for paws of every size.

See you on the road, – Wokashi 🐾

✨ Want to join me on more adventures? Follow along at @nyanstopadventures.