[Veterinarian Supervised] Celebrating October 4th “World Animal Day”!
3 Tips to Enhance Your Pet’s “Happiness” in Tokyo’s High-Rise Apartments
Every year on October 4th, the world celebrates “World Animal Day.” This global day dedicated to animal welfare and protection is highly recognized around the world, and we know it holds special meaning for many of our international pet owners here in Tokyo.
World Animal Day is an opportunity to focus on improving animal welfare—ensuring that our animal companions are mentally and physically healthy, and can live happily according to their natural instincts and behaviors.
However, the environment of a high-rise apartment or “tower mansion” in Tokyo is very different from the natural surroundings animals originally adapted to. To honor this special day, we would like to share three practical tips from a veterinary perspective on how you can maximize your dog or cat’s happiness and well-being within the unique setting of a high-rise city apartment.
■ 1. Protect Their Joints and Reduce Stress from “Slippery Floors”
While the smooth, uncarpeted hardwood or laminate flooring common in Japanese apartments is easy to clean, it places an incredibly heavy burden on your pet’s joints. Without proper grip, dogs and cats slip and slide as they try to navigate the space. This lacks the natural traction they need and can trigger or worsen conditions like arthritis and patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps). Furthermore, the fear of slipping can make them reluctant to move, leading to stress and inactivity.
As veterinarians, we highly recommend introducing “play mats” or interlocking puzzle mats (joint mats) in areas where your pet spends most of their time. A major advantage of these mats is their practicality: if your pet has an accident or makes a mess, you can easily detach just the soiled tiles to wash them or replace them individually.
Utilizing these mats helps you create a slip-free, secure environment. Relieving your pet from the daily discomfort and anxiety of slipping is one of the most accessible ways to practice meaningful animal welfare right at home.
■ 2. Encourage Natural Instincts Indoors
Living high above the ground means it isn’t always easy to let your pet experience the outdoor breeze or run freely in a yard. This naturally limits their activities, which can lead to frustration. However, you can satisfy their natural instincts with a few indoor adjustments:
【For Dogs】
If outdoor walking time is limited, try stimulating their incredible sense of smell indoors through scent work games (hiding treats around the room) or interactive puzzle toys. Engaging a dog’s nose is highly stimulating for their brain and can provide as much mental satisfaction and tire them out just as much as running around outside.
【For Cats】
Cats thrive on vertical space. Set up a tall cat tower near a window that offers a view of the city. Being able to climb, jump, and observe birds, cars, and the world below from a safe, elevated indoor vantage point is the ultimate entertainment for a cat, satisfying their natural climbing and hunting instincts.
■ 3. Prevent Falls and Listen to Their “Silent Voices” Through Regular Checkups
One of the absolute musts of high-rise apartment living is preventing tragic falls from balconies and windows. To uphold the core tenet of animal welfare—freedom from fear, injury, and pain—ensure that balcony doors and windows are secured with pet-proof screens and child-safety locks, and never allow unsupervised access to balconies.
Moreover, animals cannot tell us in words when they are in pain or feeling unwell. Bringing your pet in for regular veterinary checkups and blood tests is the most impactful way to “listen to their silent voices.” Catching potential health issues early, before they become serious, is the greatest act of care and love we can offer them.
■ Conclusion: Bringing Global Welfare Standards to Tokyo Living
World Animal Day is also a beautiful prompt to say, “Thank you for being part of our family” to our beloved pets.
At Anima Animal Hospital, we champion a global perspective on animal welfare, tailored to the realities of urban pet ownership in Tokyo. Whether you have questions about nutrition, indoor environments, or any minor health concern, we are always here to help. Let us work together to ensure your cherished companion lives a long, safe, and truly happy life by your side.
