As one of the few attempts at such research in Japan, “Getting Started with Cat Sociology” reexamines the relationship between cats and people from a sociological perspective. The book’s jumping-off points are difficult but ask very familiar questions: why do we find cats to be so cute, and why did we come to accept cats as a part of our families?
 
While cats were first accepted into human society for their usefulness in catching mice and the like, they presently live alongside us in our daily lives, carrying great emotional significance. This book grapples with the historical and social aspects of this change, attempting to shed light on the formation of the relationship between humans and cats.
 
The first chapter, written by Manabu Akagawa, analyzes narratives from investigative interviews specifically addressing the question of why cats are cute. This analysis demonstrates the following:
 
-- that cats are perceived as easy pets to take care of that do not require walks;
-- that they are said to have a gentle, kindly disposition and charming looks; and
-- that through their strong bond with humans, they are allowed to occasionally be affectionate while behaving capriciously as they see fit.
 
These numerous factors taken together reveal that people feel they can relate to their cats and establish a relationship in which they can shower cats with affection without asking for anything in return.
 
This book also examines the social positioning of human–cat relationships, through various examples such as cat cafés, cat islands, and cats as depicted in manga. By tracing the practices surrounding and depictions of cats, we gain insight into current views on family, intimacy, local communities, and tourism.
 
In addition, a chapter written by Professor Takeshi Deguchi deals with the familiar presence of cats in our everyday lives, giving us clues into how our society centers humans. Through a critical theory perspective, it is argued that our coexistence with cats gives us the opportunity to reexamine the relationship between civilization and nature, and between ourselves and others.
 
This book’s significance consists not in extolling cats as special beings, but in reconsidering what humans’ daily lives and society are like by using such a familiar creature as the cat as the key to our understanding. Our connection with cats brings modern themes of family, loneliness, care, and intimacy to light.
 
By starting from the little questions that arise within our everyday lives, this book also serves as a primer for developing questions about society through research and analysis. While it is a book on cats, it also makes you think about human society.
 

(Written by AKAGAWA Manabu, Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology / 2026)

Related Info

Taiwanese version:
因為貓咪很可愛：有時愛你有時不理你，神秘又有趣的貓社會學　(published by PCuSER電腦人文化　April, 16, 2026)
https://www.books.com.tw/products/0011048055
 
Author’s Interviews:
Cause of the cat craze How is the popularity of cats related to the unique bond they share with their owners?  (Tansei Vol.37  September 2018
https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/focus/en/features/z1304_00040.html

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