The Meaning of Cat Tattoos – Introducing One-Point, Tribal, and Irezumi Designs as Well

Cats are popular not only in Japan but all over the world because of their free-spirited personality and adorable appearance.

I think many people also live with them as members of the family.

However, do you know what meanings cat tattoos have?

So this time, we will introduce the meanings of cat tattoos and their design examples!

Meanings of Cat Tattoos

Cats are loved all over the world, and different meanings and stories are attached to them in each culture and region.

Here, we will introduce some of the most representative ones!

• Independence and Freedom: Cats are known for their free-spirited nature. For that reason, cat tattoos can carry meanings such as independence, freedom, and a nomadic lifestyle.
• Mystery and Magic: As represented by the Sphinx, cats were considered sacred animals in ancient Egypt and were believed to possess mysterious powers. Therefore, cat tattoos are regarded as symbols related to mystery, magic, and fate.
• Protection and Good Luck: Since ancient times, cats lived alongside humans and played the role of protecting crops by eating insects and mice. For that reason, cats were seen as guardians of the home and family, and are said to have the power to protect against evil spirits and misfortune.

• Love and Family: For people who own cats, cats are members of the family. Therefore, cat tattoos may also show love for a beloved pet or family.
• Adventure and Curiosity: Cats are characterized by their curiosity and adventurous spirit, going out for walks alone and exploring many places. For that reason, cat tattoos can mean adventure, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration.

Meaning of Sphinx Tattoos

Also, as a popular feline-themed motif, the Sphinx can be mentioned.

The Sphinx is an imaginary creature with the body of a lion and the face of a human, and the Great Sphinx of Egypt is well known.

It is said that Sphinx tattoos have meanings such as the following!

• Guardianship and Protection: In ancient Egypt, from a certain period onward, the Sphinx was used as a guardian protecting temples and tombs. For that reason, Sphinx tattoos are considered symbols of protection and guardianship.
• Mystery and Spirituality: Ancient Egypt, including the Sphinx, is associated with many spiritual stories. So, Sphinx tattoos can also symbolize meanings such as mystery and spirituality.

Introducing Cat Tattoo Design Examples

From here, we will introduce cat tattoo designs.

We will introduce a wide variety, from cool designs such as tribal styles to stylish designs combined with motifs like the moon, as well as anime character designs based on cats, so please try to find one that feels right for you!

Tribal Cat Tattoo on the Shoulder

This is a tattoo design example featuring a tribal-pattern cat on the shoulder.

Combined with the tribal pattern, it gives off a dignified feeling like a tiger!

Black Cat and Moon Tattoo on the Arm

This is a tattoo design example combining a black cat and the moon on the arm.

The black cat gazing at the stars from the crescent moon makes for a very cute design!

Illustration-Style Moonlit Night and Cat Tattoo on the Shoulder

This is a design example of a moonlit night and a cat drawn in an illustration style on the shoulder.

The motifs combined are similar to the design example above, but just changing the drawing style changes the atmosphere this much!

Beloved Pet Cat Irezumi (Japanese-Style Tattoo)

Next is a design turning a beloved pet cat into an irezumi (Japanese-style tattoo).

The cat’s pose and expression make it a very cute design.

A cat in a Japanese-painting-like style has a different kind of cuteness too!

Bakeneko Irezumi (Japanese-Style Tattoo)

This is a bakeneko (supernatural cat) irezumi (Japanese-style tattoo).

Unlike the previous ones, it has horns, raised claws, and gives off a frightening atmosphere.

Cat and Flower Tattoo on the Wrist

This is a tattoo combining cat and flower motifs on the wrist.

Geometric motifs are also combined, and the fragile expression of the kitten visible from the center is impressive.

Cool Cat and Tiger Tattoo

This is a tattoo design combining a cat and a tiger.猫(ネコ)と虎を組み合わせたデザインのタトゥーです。

A tiger is drawn from the cat’s belly to hip area, and while the meaning is hard to guess, it is a very unique design.

Cute Illustration-Style Cat Tattoo on the Arm

This is a tattoo design of a cute illustration-style cat on the arm.

It fully captures the cuteness of a cat tucked inside a box!

Stylish Black Cat Tattoo

In this tattoo design, slightly autumn-colored plants surround the black cat like a picture frame.

This composition, using plants like a frame, is very stylish!

If you have a cat, it may be nice to use your own beloved cat as the motif in this composition.

Realistic One-Point Tattoo of a Pet Cat and Flowers

This is a one-point tattoo with a realistic pet cat and flowers.飼い猫と花をリアルに描いたワンポイントタトゥーです。

Though small, the finely drawn cat and the pink flowers surrounding it make for a very cute design.

Sphinx Tattoo on the Arm

Next is a tattoo design example of a Sphinx on the arm.

A camel and desert are also drawn in front of the Sphinx, making it a very cool design.

Stylish Tribal Cat Tattoo on the Ankle

This is a cat tattoo on the ankle drawn in a tribal pattern.

It is simpler than the first tribal pattern introduced and has a cuter impression!

Cute Tom and Jerry Pair Tattoo

Tom and Jerry is a famous American cartoon featuring cat-themed characters.

In this design, a man and woman have a pair tattoo with Tom and Jerry designs.

They usually fight a lot, but here the two of them look cheerful with drinks in hand, which is very cute!

Tom and Jerry Tattoo on the Ankles

This is a design example with Tom and Jerry tattooed on the left and right ankles.

It is the familiar scene of Jerry teasing Tom!

Doraemon Tattoo Eating Dorayaki

As a famous cat-themed character from Japan, Doraemon is probably the first name that comes to mind.

This tattoo design shows the familiar scene of Doraemon happily eating dorayaki.

Cute Doraemon Tattoo on the Ankle

This is also a tattoo design using Doraemon as the motif.

Doraemon is drawn in black and grey, but a distinctive feature is that only the rose he is smelling is drawn as a color tattoo.

Angel-Style Hello Kitty Tattoo

Another famous character from Japan, just like Doraemon, is Hello Kitty.

In this tattoo design, Hello Kitty has wings and looks like an angel.

It is a very cute design!