Five years old and very affectionate, Minori came to ARK earlier this year after her owner passed away and other family members were unable to care for her. She was very nervous at first, curling herself up into a tight ball when anyone approached.

Over time, however, Minori has grown fairly comfortable with the shelter staff and likes to rub up against people¡¯s legs. Food is perhaps her first love ¡ª and she¡¯s quite good at communicating her needs. She meows like she¡¯s starving whenever she gets a bit hungry. This healthy appetite means Minori easily gobbles down medicine mixed with food, as well.

Initially nervous in her new environment, Minori has since loosened up and loves to frolic with her best friend Kurumi.
Initially nervous in her new environment, Minori has since loosened up and loves to frolic with her best friend Kurumi. | TAKAYUKI KITO

When Minori wants to play, she¡¯ll show her curvy belly and then frolic with complete abandon, often with her best friend Kurumi. Minori and Kurumi came to ARK together and it would be a dream if they could be adopted by the same household.

Minori¡¯s name is from the Japanese word referring to the fruits of one¡¯s labor, whether a bountiful harvest of crops, payoff for hard work or other happy outcomes. With her name itself as a kind of good luck charm, we hope the person who decides to take in this lovely cat will find themselves well-rewarded.

If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: