Cat Tattoo - Cat Tattoo Meanings, Styles And Locations

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:49

Felids have always impressed humans with their beauty, grace, infallible instinct and somewhat mysterious side. All these qualities, among others, often invite their admirers to choose them as models of their future original tattoos. And it is an absolutely excellent choice, since a cat tattoo is very flexible in terms of styles of realization, location on different parts of the body and even meaning. In the current article we are going to examine all these aspects of this carnivorous mammal which is sometimes gentle and cuddly, sometimes wild and dangerous, but always fascinating.

The meaning of the cat tattoo according to the beliefs of various peoples

We have not exaggerated when we said that the cat tattoo can have several meanings depending on the given context. Among the Celtic peoples, for example, this animal represented the guardian of the Other World from which its connotation was rather negative. In Islam, the situation is not too different as cats are generally associated with dangerous and evil jinns. In Asia, and particularly in Japan, the feline in question is considered to be a symbol of bad luck.

But all these unpleasant associations are by no means exhaustive when talking about the cat tattoo in the contemporary world. In several countries of the West, the mammal with the nice muzzle is essentially a symbol of spiritual power, independence, the feminine side of everything, physical and psychic freedom and especially the love of freedom. It is probably thanks to these allusions that many ladies, and especially feminists, dwell on the grippeminaud as inkage.

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A cat is also famous for its agility and quick recovery abilities. It is no coincidence that cats are said to have nine lives. Their impeccable survival instincts, as well as their adaptability to almost any situation, have given them a reputation as a flexible, persistent, almost immortal creature. This is probably why a lot of people who admire or yearn for flexibility, agility and skill prefer the cat tattoo.

The cat was a powerful totem for the Egyptians

In ancient Egypt, the cat was a powerful totem representing fertility and motherhood, also associated with the Moon. That is to say that the animal was sacred and its export was totally prohibited by law. Some legends say that in case of fire we saved first the cats and then the people. Also, if someone killed a cat it was considered an indictable offense punishable by death!

Apparently, the meaning of the cat tattoo is contradictory according to the specific folklore in which it is examined. In Thailand, the Siamese was the sacred temple cat. With its infallible senses of sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste, the cat is the hunter par excellence. This is why he has been revered by man as a protector of the household who helps him to get rid of harmful rodents and therefore of the diseases that they bring.

In Europe, the black cat is associated with witches and the occult world - a symbol of bad luck superstition. On the other hand, for sailors, the feline was a symbol of good luck, hope and a successful journey. Just for the record, during WWII the English used cats as living radars that could detect certain poisonous gases long before humans.

The cat tattoo and the many styles it can adopt

When it comes to the styles in which a cat tattoo can be done, the possibilities are virtually endless. The geometric style tattoo, for example, is among the most popular when talking about feline inspired inkages. This is exactly what its name suggests - more or less stylized figures made from geometric shapes. They can have thick or thin outlines, be unfilled, elaborate shading, dotwork style, among others.

An origami kitten inside the arm

The so-called origami cat tattoo is a kind of geometric inkage where the lines composing the animal are reminiscent of the eponymous Japanese paper folding. In the photo above, you can admire a similar kitten with dotwork tail and ears, made on the inside of the arm. With that in mind, this type of minimalist tattoos and this particular location are also some of the more understated choices possible.

Cat silhouette with thin contours without fill

Except for the purist geometric figures, admirers of sober models can opt for a silhouette with fine contours without details or filling. The inside of the arm, neck and shoulder blade from them are among the locations the most discreet and most preferred, especially the ladies. Of course, the legs and especially the calves and the ankle are also a great choice for your cat tattoo.

Mandala cat tattoo with many elaborate details

Fans of more visible tattoo designs can opt for a mandala cat with several elaborate details. These are the intricate designs that are based on the interlacing of Buddhist rosettes, symmetry, symbolic patterns, etc. If, on the other hand, you like the symbolism accompanying the felines, but you don't want an actual cat tattoo, you can always get tattooed only on the paws or more precisely their prints.

Paws on the scapula are a super cute option