Whether you’re a cat lover or a lover of awesome tattoos, cat tattoos are worth investigating.

Love them or hate them, but sure it’s hard to ignore them. Cats have been feared, worshiped, sacrificed, and adored by humans ever since the two species laid eyes on each other. You will find mysterious traces of human-feline bonding by studying cat symbolism in various cultures.

The human-feline relationship goes way back in time. The domestication of cats happened thousands of years ago, way earlier than most people even imagine. Since then, this relationship has had its fair share of weirdness, animosity, reverence, and many misconceptions.

Who could resist wearing a tattoo that carries such mystery and infamy?

Cat Tattoos Meanings

The myth that cats have nine lives exists in many cultures around the world. Subsequently, a cat tattoo symbolizes resilience, strength, and fortune.

Cats are soft and fluffy, but you know not to mess with a cat, right? The claws will be out, and it will be hissing and scratching to the end. The ‘stand up for itself’ nature of the cat, despite its soft exterior, is also a sound reason to choose a cat tattoo.

Cat Tattoos With Flowers

Black Cat Tattoos

Cute Cat Tattoos

Funny Cat Tattoos

Small Cat Tattoos

Space Cat Tattoos

Realistic Cat Tattoos

Blackwork

Colorful Cat Tattoos

Colored Eyes Cat Tattoos

Cat Symbolism In Different Cultures

Ancient Egypt

When it comes to Cat worship, no other culture can match the devotion of the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians placed them on a pedestal for their exemplary hunting skills to keep the rodent and snake population under control. Cats were worshiped as deities, beginning with Mafdet, the lion-headed goddess of justice. Bastet was a domestic feline who was the deity of protection, fertility, and motherhood. They had large shrines dedicated to the feline god and goddesses and mummified their pet cats.

 

China

The goddess Li Shou took the form of a feline in ancient China. Farmers worshiped her as a goddess of fertility and sought her blessings to gain pest-free fields.

Japan

If you happen to be in Japan, it is hard to miss Maneki-Neko (‘beckoning cat’), a cat figure with one raised paw. The Maneki-Neko is a traditional Japanese figurine that is believed to bring good luck to the owner.

 

A legend goes a samurai lord was on his way to hunt when suddenly a storm came, and he took refuge under a big tree near a temple. He noticed that a cat from the nearby temple raised one paw as if it was waving him to the temple. Curious by the cat’s gesture, he left his shelter and headed for the temple to have a better look at the strange cat. The next moment, a lightning bolt struck the very spot where he had been standing.

The samurai lord was so grateful and attributed his good fortune to the timely intervention of the cat. Thus the beckoning cat figure became a symbol of good luck.

Europe

The Europeans may not have worshiped the cat, but they held the cat in high regard as a prized pet. However, a Greek legend tells that Zeus once seduced Alcmene, and she became pregnant with Hercules. As a result of jealous rage, Zeus’ wife, Hera, tried to kill Alcmene. Galinthias interfered with Hera’s plan to save Alcmene. Further infuriated, Hera transformed Galinthius into a cat and banished her to the underworld. Thus cats were associated with darkness, the underworld, and witchcraft.

The Celts had a fondness for felines, associating them with their goddess Brigid. They worshiped feline for their grace and stealth and even attempted to emulate them in their magical pursuits.

In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja had her chariot drawn by two felines, her companions. Farmers used to leave pans of milk in their fields to attract the cats, satisfy the goddess, and keep the area free of rodents.

The Russians have always seen the cat as a symbol of good fortune. They believe that letting a cat enter a new home before humans can bring good luck to the household.

More Cat Tattoos

 

A simple and effective design, this small tattoo sums up the mystique and nature of the cat beautifully. Ideal for the wrist or forearm, possibly the ankle. Would look just right on the base of the spine, too.

The black cat, the moon, the tree, the Celtic style patterning…all immediately bring to mind the darker, yet alluring, aspects of the cat tattoo.

 

An intriguing tattoo. This one would look completely in place on the shoulder, the back of the neck or, as pictured, on the outer leg. The design is feminine, best suited for a woman.

 

Intriguing and interesting – the viewer of the tattoo will wonder if the cat is poised ready to strike, or to welcome a rub.

This tattoo sums up the ultimate sex appeal of the black cat tattoo – slick and sleek, the cat is poised proud and inviting. Makes you look twice!

The colour in this tattoo is dramatic. The vibrancy of the eyes of the cat are stunning. Certainly a tattoo you can feel proud of wearing.

A tattoo like this one would be a fantastic memorial for a special companion. Cat lovers would agree – they leave paw prints on your heart.

A stunning portrait with intricate and well -crafted detail.  Absolutely beautiful!