The cat tattoo symbolizes luck, life after physical death, enigma, quiet intelligence, and grace. There are many interpretations of feline tattoos, all of which alter the more profound meaning of the art. For some people, a cat tattoo can represent love for a departed pet.

From ancient Egypt, where the Cat was adored and killing one meant death for the offender, to present-day four-legged felines, the Cat carries special meaning for many people.

The ancient Celtic populace believed that sacrificing a black cat would ward off wicked spirits, while Japanese culture acknowledges a raised cat paw or cat paws present a unique look. Discover the unique symbology behind multiple interpretations while pondering what sort of cat tattoo to get.

What Does the Cat Tattoo Mean?

The design of cat tattoos varies significantly, depending on the message a person desires to convey. From DIY prison tattoos to an uncomplicated cat eye tattoo, this type of art is steeped in tradition, dating back to archaic Egypt. Thousands of years ago, the tattooing process was imbued with ceremony and meaning, mainly while the tattoo, like a cat, held spiritual symbology. Even nowadays, the Egyptian Cat and lucky Cat are intelligent alternatives.

On the other hand, many people with a cat tattoo have a fondness for all things exotic and adventurous and may desert authority or feel a need for a spiritual connection.

Symbolism of the Cat and the Essence of Tattoo Variations

• Cheshire Cat: The Cheshire cat, an essence from Louis Carol’s classic work ‘Alice in Wonderland, most often symbolizes an inquisitive nature, a desire to seek the truth, and a touch of mischief. As the renowned Cat said, “We are all mad here,” with a lopsided grin. The disappearing body renounces this grin to the last, offering a good-natured side and humor to the end. This tattoo can symbolize a whimsical nature, a love for the exceptional, or a wanderlust personality.
• Egyptian Cat: The Egyptian cat tattoo is often modeled by those pursuing or who have found inner peace. This body art reveals a connection to the spiritual or afterlife, usually depicting a deceased loved one or a link to someone gone. This tattoo may also symbolize the Divine Mother or Moon goddess, security, and confidence in the survival of the most appropriate, as cats are predatory.
• Cat Face: A depiction of a cat face can be indicative of love for a pet, a person with a cat-like personality, or an independent nature. This tattoo may be part of a larger, more intricate design or sleeve. This tattoo may also symbolize feminism, beauty, and grace.
• Cat Paws: The classic lucky cat paw tattoo hails from the adage that cats have nine lives. Supposing this were accurate, it’s effortless to see why cat paws are deemed lucky, as cats are said to always anchor on their feet.
• Cat Eye: The cat eye tattoo, typically associated with Egypt, does not always indicate the culture. Like the human eye, the cat eye is said to be a window to the soul. As cats are highly demonstrative and intelligent animals, the cat eye is symbolic of one’s inner workings, passions, biases, and individual search for truth.
• Prison or Russian Criminal Tattoos: A cat prison tattoo or cat tattoos associated with Russian criminals are thought to demonstrate that the wearer is a prisoner or hails from prison, but may also mean the individual was a thief. A single cat displays a solo career, while numerous cats show the wearer is part of a group. However, sometimes, a prison or Russian criminal tattoo signifies that a person acknowledges he is cunning.

Best Tattoo Placements: The best sequence for a cat tattoo is generally the arm, chest, or back. Smaller tattoos like cat paws or eyes are found on the back of the neck, on the inner wrist, or on the top of the foot. In many cultures, additional areas of the body are representative of health, balance, and spirituality. Therefore, where a cat tattoo is placed is often linked to this belief system.

The Message Cat Tattoos Conveys: Most often, a cat tattoo conveys spirituality, thoughtfulness, cunning, and creativity. However, there is no limit to what a particular tattoo can tell, as long as the wearer spends time considering aspects such as color, placement, shape, and tradition.

If You Wear a Cat Tattoo, You are Likely to Be: If you wear a cat tattoo, you will likely be very independent. You may lean towards the feminine and are likely highly intelligent, creative, and kind to others, as you are empathetic and sincere. You’re also very reasonable, highly resilient when things don’t go your way, and bounce back quickly from disappointment. On the other hand, you may be moody sometimes, feel best when working alone, and like to socialize, especially on your terms.

Reasons to Choose a Cat Tattoo: Reasons to choose a cat tattoo are always personal but can include a desire to seek out spiritual elements in your life. It can be a belief in self-reliance, a display of feminine strength, an obstacle overwhelmed, reflecting on a bad situation, and accepting luck wherever your happenings take you.