45+ Japanese Cat Tattoos That Will Be Purr-fect for Your Next Tattoo

From monmon cat designs to kitties dressed in traditional Japanese garb, I have collected the most artistic Japanese cat tattoo designs for you to choose from.

I love these tattoo designs because they combine two of my favorite things - cats and Japanese artwork! So, it is always a treat to work with clients who are looking for Japanese kitty tattoo concepts.

I have compiled quite a selection of Japanese cat tattoos for you and given some insight into what these designs mean too!

The Best Japanese Cat Tattoo Ideas

Here are the top Japanese cat tattoo designs for you to check out:

Japanese Monmon Cat Tattoos

Now, if you haven't been keeping up with the latest trends in the Japanese art world, then you may be wondering:

What is a monmon cat tattoo?

Well, this is an artistic style created by an artist named Horitomo, who currently works out of the State of Grace tattoo parlor. He created a series of artwork where cats were designed to look as though they were covered in Irezumi - a Japanese term for traditional tattoo designs. Eventually, monmon cats turned into monmon cat tattoo ideas.

Now, if you are considering monmon cats for yourself, there are a couple of things to consider. First, if you want you can choose a more traditional route of tattooing for these concepts. This means that you can get Irezumi tattoo designs that have been inspired by traditional tattoo designs or artwork.

Or, you can take a more contemporary approach to your Japanese cat tattoo. This can mean adding designs on the cat that are completely different from what you would typically find on a monmon cat. You can also use a design that is customized to you.

For such tattoos, though, it is a good idea to work with a tattoo artist who has some kind of experience with these kinds of designs.

Maneki-neko Tattoos

Maneki-neko translates to beckoning cat although you may know this feline figurine as the lucky cat.

So:

What does the Japanese cat paw tattoo mean?

Well, there are a couple of different legends related to how the beckoning cat came about. Some say that it is based on the fact that a cat essentially saved an emperor from a thunderstorm. Others believe that it was based on an old woman and her cat.

In any case, the meaning behind this kind of Japanese cat tattoo is rather similar - this cat beckons good luck to you. If the right paw is lifted, it is said to bring money and good fortune. If the left paw in your tattoo is raised it is said to bring friendship.

Once again, this kind of cat tattoo is inspired by the traditional legends and artwork of Japan. However, you can choose to put a more modern spin on your tattoo if you want.

Omamori Cat Tattoos

An omamori is a blend of Shinto charms and Buddhist amulet tradition. These charms can be used for different kinds of protection or blessings in life. In this case, you add a cat into the tattoo design as well, to make your Japanese-inspired cat tattoo even luckier for you!

Here are the cat tattoo designs that you can show to your tattoo artist.

Kimono Cat Tattoos

Curious about what a cat tattoo where the cats are dressed in traditional attire may look like? Well, here are the tattoo designs to consider:

Warrior Cat Tattoos

For this series of Japanese cat tattoo designs, the cats are dressed as traditional warriors:

Eating Cat Tattoos

In this series of Japanese cat designs, the felines are dressed in traditional garb, enjoying Japanese food:

Traditional Art Cat Tattoos

If you decide that you want a cat tattoo based on more traditional Japanese artwork, then here are the options to check out:

Surrealist Cat Tattoos

In case you prefer a more surrealistic take on your tattoo, here are the options to consider:

As a post author, I am proud to present you with the top Japanese cat designs for you to choose from! From classic legends to the latest fads, you can find the top styles depicted in these concepts!