Pets in Malaysia: Cat or Dog? A Comparison with Japan【2026 Edition】

2026.02.04

Pets in Malaysia: Cat or Dog? A Comparison with Japan【2026 Edition】

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When moving to or staying long-term in Malaysia, many people consider bringing a pet. However,

a common dilemma is:“Should I get a cat or a dog?” The answer is not just a matter of preference.
You need to consider lifestyle, housing, climate, cost, and future relocation plans.

For Japanese people or other foreigners, relying solely on their experience in Japan can sometimes lead to unexpected difficulties in Malaysia.

This article covers

• Differences in pet environments between Japan and Malaysia
• Characteristics, benefits, and precautions of cats and dogs in Malaysia
• Cost, exercise, and care comparison
• Common regrets for foreigners and expats
• PAWS Malaysia support services

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Pet Environment: Japan vs Malaysia

1-1. Housing and Space

In Japan, most people live in city apartments.
While some allow pets, there are often restrictions on dog size or number.

Cats are generally easier to keep indoors.
However, space is limited, so accessories like cat towers or hammocks are helpful.

In Malaysia, cats are relatively easy to keep, and cat-friendly condos are increasing.

Dogs, however, require houses with yards or larger suburban homes.
Dog-friendly urban apartments are limited, and the rent is often higher.

🐶😺Pet-friendly housing

Japan：Dogs and cats allowed, but dog restrictions common

Malaysia：Cats are easy, dogs need yard or large property

🏘️Living space

Japan：City apartments are small; walks are main exercise

Malaysia：Even urban units are tropical-style; dogs need yard or suburban space

🛝Walks/outdoor activity

Japan：Dogs must walk daily; parks are limited

Malaysia：Parks and dog-friendly areas are common, but midday walks are not recommended due to heat; early morning or evening is best

Japan: “Indoor + walks” model.
Malaysia: Cats are indoor-friendly; dogs need yards or suburban spaces.

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1-2. Climate and Health

Japan has four seasons with moderate temperature differences, so most pets adapt easily.

Malaysia has a year-round hot and humid climate, with daytime temperatures often above 32°C.

Dogs are especially at risk of heatstroke, so walks should be limited to early morning or evening.

Small or brachycephalic dogs are particularly sensitive to heat, and indoor air conditioning is necessary.

Cats are more tolerant of tropical climates and can spend most of the day sleeping indoors.

However, long-haired cats require brushing and climate control.

Because cats have low activity levels, providing toys or a cat tower is recommended to prevent obesity.

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1-3. Regulations and Management

📋Registration/permits

Japan：Dogs must be registered and vaccinated; cats optional

Malaysia：Dogs must be registered and vaccinated; cats optional but vaccination recommended

📖Community rules

Japan：Walking/manners violations may incur fines

Malaysia：Must follow condo or community rules; some units prohibit dogs

✈️Pet transport

Japan：Domestic transport easy; international export requires quarantine

Malaysia：Import/export requires government permission, vaccination, blood tests, and quarantine; can be time-consuming

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1-4. Veterinary and Services

Japan:
Veterinary clinics are plentiful, and pet insurance is widely available, making medical care accessible.

Grooming services and pet hotels are common, and pets can be boarded safely with advance reservations.

Malaysia:
Clinics are available in urban areas, but Japanese-language support is limited,

though services like PAWS Malaysia may help. Grooming and boarding exist but usually require advance booking, and costs and quality vary

🏥 Veterinary clinics

Japan：Many, Japanese support available

Malaysia：Urban clinics; Japanese support limited; PAWS support available

📄🐾 Pet insurance

Japan：Widespread, high medical cost

Malaysia：Available, limited coverage; lower medical costs than Japan

💈 Grooming/boarding

Japan：Common and reliable

Malaysia：Urban areas only, reservation required; service quality varies

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1-5. Lifestyle Differences

Japan:
Urban lifestyle with mostly indoor pets and daily walks. Pets are mainly seen as companions,

and interaction is prioritized over exercise.

Malaysia:
Due to the hot climate, cats are typically indoor pets, while

dogs are better suited tohouses with yards or suburban living. Urban dog parks and pet cafés are common, encouraging social interaction.

Using Japanese assumptions can sometimes lead to problems, such as:

• Complicated transport procedures when returning to Japan
• Dogs overheating if walked during the daytime
• Living in dog-prohibited units

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Cats vs Dogs in Malaysia

Recommended for

Lifestyle/Condition	😺	🐶
First-time pet owner	◎	△
Condo living	◎	△
Often away from home	◎	△
Enjoys walking/exercise	△	◎
Yard or large home	△	◎
Wants close interaction with pet	△	◎

Cat Advantages and Precautions

✅Advantages

・Indoor-friendly; no walks required

・Relatively heat-tolerant, suitable for tropical climate

・Monthly cost RM150–300 (approx. ¥5,800–¥11,700), manageable

・Can be left alone, ideal for single or dual-income households

⚠️Precautions

・Long-haired breeds need brushing and air conditioning

・Cat litter must be changed daily

・Indoor hygiene (smell, noise) needs attention

Dog Advantages and Precautions

✅Advantages

・Active lifestyle: walks, parks, pet cafés

・Expressive and affectionate, good for family interaction

・Outdoor activity possible in early morning/evening

⚠️Precautions

・Avoid walks in high heat

・Dog-friendly units limited and often higher rent

・Monthly cost RM300–600+ (approx. ¥11,700–23,000)

・Indoor temperature and cleanliness must be managed

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Cost and Care Comparison

	😺	🐶
Ease of care	◎	△
Heat tolerance	◎	△ （no midday walks）
Housing restrictions	Low	High
Walks	Not required	Required
Monthly cost	RM150–300 （¥5,800–¥11,700）	RM300–600+
Space	Indoor sufficient	Yard/large home recommended
Alone at home	〇	△
Suitability for foreigners	◎	〇

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Common Regrets for Foreigners/Expats

• Thought dogs were allowed, but condo rules prohibit
• Walked dogs midday, causing heatstroke
• Not preparing for future transport when returning home

If you plan to return to Japan, considering transport from the start is crucial.

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PAWS Malaysia Support

PAWS Malaysia provides comprehensive support for Japanese and foreign residents:

1. Pre-adoption consultation (cat vs dog guidance)
2. Japanese-language guidance for vets, insurance, and daily care
3. Advice on lifestyle-suitable pet care in Malaysia
4. Support for pet transport for relocation or return to Japan

PAWS Malaysia’s philosophy: “Peace of mind before getting a pet, not just after.”

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Conclusion: Cat or Dog?

🐱 If unsure → Cat

Stable, practical, ideal for indoor living or single/dual-income households

🐶 Lifestyle-driven → Dog

Suited for yard/suburban living, active families, or those wanting close interaction

🌿 Before Owning a Pet in Malaysia

Life in Malaysia is quite different from Japan.
When choosing a pet, consider the climate, housing regulations, monthly expenses,

and the possibility of future moves or returning to Japan, so you can make a decision that fits your lifestyle.