Every culture has its own set of unusual customs and practices that may puzzle outsiders. One curious habit you may have noticed, particularly in residential neighborhoods or outside small shops, is the presence of plastic bottles filled with water placed on the ground near doors or entrances. At first glance, this may seem strange or even pointless. Why would someone position bottles of water outside their home or store?
Some assume it’s a thoughtful gesture, perhaps leaving water out for thirsty passersby or animals on a hot day. But in reality, the practice has nothing to do with generosity. Instead, it’s an attempt to address a common nuisance: the problem of stray animals, particularly cats, relieving themselves in unwanted places.
The Belief Behind the Practice
Those who place bottles of water outside their doors often do so to ward off cats and other stray animals that might otherwise urinate near entrances. For homeowners or shopkeepers with entrances directly facing the street, the issue of animal waste can be particularly unpleasant. Cats and other animals mark their territory in this way, and the strong smell can be difficult to eliminate once it seeps into doorways, walls, or pavements.
According to popular belief, the reflection of light in the water, or the distorted image an animal sees when looking at the bottle, supposedly frightens or confuses them enough to make them avoid the area. Some say the glint of sunlight bouncing off the water creates a deterrent effect, while others claim the bottles act as a symbolic boundary that animals instinctively respect.
Origins of the Tradition
This unusual practice does not have roots in modern scientific research. Instead, it appears to stem from folklore, with many sources pointing to Japan as the origin. From there, the idea spread to other countries and eventually became a global habit. Over the decades, it has taken on the qualities of an urban legend: widely practiced, deeply believed by some, yet never scientifically verified.
In many cultures, it has been passed down through generations as a household trick—something grandparents taught parents, who then taught their children. Despite its lack of proven effectiveness, the belief has remained surprisingly resilient, a testament to the power of tradition and word-of-mouth.
Does It Actually Work?
The short answer is: no, not really. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that bottles of water placed outside a home or store can deter cats or other animals.
Cats, in particular, are highly adaptable creatures. They are unlikely to be scared by something as harmless as a transparent bottle. If a cat has already chosen a spot to mark its territory, a bottle of water will not discourage the behavior. Numerous animal behavior experts have dismissed this practice as ineffective.
In fact, anyone who has tried it for a period of time will likely have noticed that cats continue to visit the same spots, regardless of whether the bottles are there or not. At best, the bottles serve as obstacles that animals might walk around, but they do not stop the problem of urine marking.
Why Do People Still Believe It Works?
Even though science does not back up the effectiveness of this method, many people continue to practice it. There are several possible reasons for this persistence:
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Psychological reassurance. People feel better believing they are taking action, even if the action is ineffective.
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Confirmation bias. If a cat happens not to visit the area for a while, homeowners may wrongly attribute this to the bottles.
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Cultural reinforcement. Seeing neighbors or relatives do the same thing reinforces the idea that it must work.
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Tradition. Many people follow habits passed down by older generations without questioning their validity.
In other words, the practice thrives not because it works, but because people want to believe it works.
Alternative Explanations
Some variations of the myth suggest different reasons why bottles of water might deter cats:
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Cats dislike water. Since felines are generally known to avoid water, some assume that even the sight of it might drive them away. But this is untrue—cats are not repelled by a sealed bottle of water.
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Light reflections. Others argue that the way sunlight bounces off the bottle creates unusual visual effects that frighten cats. However, cats are not particularly disturbed by light reflections, and in many cases, they even play with them.
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Distorted images. Another claim is that cats are confused by seeing their distorted reflection in the bottle. Again, there is no evidence that this has any meaningful effect.
Each explanation sounds plausible at first, but none hold up under scrutiny.
What Actually Works to Deter Cats
If you are dealing with the issue of cats or other stray animals urinating near your home or business, there are more reliable solutions than bottles of water:
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Natural repellents. Citrus peels, coffee grounds, or certain essential oils (such as peppermint or eucalyptus) are known to repel cats.
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Motion-activated sprinklers. These spray a burst of water when triggered, effectively discouraging animals without harming them.
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Ultrasonic devices. These emit sounds unpleasant to cats and dogs but inaudible to humans.
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Proper cleaning. Thoroughly removing the scent of urine with enzymatic cleaners can prevent animals from returning to mark the same spot.
These methods, unlike the water bottle trick, have been tested and found to produce more consistent results.
Final Thoughts
The practice of placing bottles of water outside homes and shops is a fascinating example of how folklore and urban legends can shape everyday behavior. While the idea may sound reasonable and continues to be widely practiced, there is no scientific proof that it works. Cats and other stray animals are not deterred by the presence of plastic bottles filled with water.
Still, the tradition persists, passed down through generations and reinforced by cultural habit. For those seeking a genuine solution to the problem of stray animals marking their territory, more effective and scientifically backed methods are available.
So the next time you see bottles of water lined up outside a home or shop, you’ll know the story behind them. It may not be effective, but it’s a custom that has stood the test of time, blending superstition, tradition, and the human desire to keep unwanted problems at bay.
