Japanese audiences never seem to tire of movies about dogs and cats. The millions of devoted pet owners here are certainly one reason, though the Brits, also known for their animal worship, do not express it as often in films.

Masatoshi Kurakata's delightful, blood-pressure-lowering "Nekoatsume House" suggests another reason for the title hero's obsession: In Japan's stressed-out society, naturally blissed-out cats provide not only companionship, but also an entry point to another reality. Call it Cat Satori.

The film, which is based on a popular smartphone game, is clearly for cat fanciers, though it mines laughs from its subject that anyone can enjoy, while never crossing the line to, um, cattiness. Also, unlike the many local film adaptations from other media that try to ape their source, the film seems to have sprung whole from an original cinematic mind. A veteran assistant director who made his directorial debut with the sentimental 2011 drama "Crossroads" ("Railways: Ai o Tsutaerarenai Otonatachi e"), Kurakata has made a sure-footed leap forward with this film, perhaps inspired by his feline subjects.