I've always wondered why Japan adores cats so much more than dogs.
maybe cats are like woman, they sure can survive independently but still clingy and seek attention just because they can? like woman can open car door or a jar but choose to be meek so their partner would swoop in and help them. cats are smart but a the same time stupid. plus cats have what japanese call " my pace" living with their own attitude and nature boldly and freely. A freedoms that japanese don't have as they have to conform into mold of society.
Dogs are loyal but always following orders and disregard their own self interested for their owner. they need full attention or they can't survive. they need to be take for a walk or they will be stressed while cats rarely stress as they live in their own world of freedom. Cats are more cleaner than Dogs and smell nice too.
Lastly, cats is the symbol of wealth and prosperity in Japan. you often see the waving cat statue/ doll holding a coin on street/shop. it maybe that shop or house on the past time that have cats have less rats or pests thus reducing food spoilage and contamination of those pests. so they can be attributed as lucky symbol and blessings. just like Egyptian worship Cats as they catch rats and vermin that eat the grains.