102 cat tattoos: minimalist designs with meaning

The love story between humans and these fluffy felines dates back to time immemorial. Numerous archaeological expeditions have uncovered Stone Age graves where cats hugged their deceased owners. Even today, many cat owners cannot bear the thought of being separated from their beloved tabby cat, no matter what. Unsurprisingly, the English word for "cat" comes from ancient Egyptian name cats "kaut". The Egyptians were devoted fans of cats, believing that this animal was an extension of the goddess of the moon. Bastet.She was not only the keeper of the Pharaoh and Lower Egypt, but also the Divine Mother and the warrior goddess who guarded her beloved subjects.

In many ways, the Egyptians considered cats to be the personification of their patron goddess because they were known for their great hunting gifts and were used to protect the ancient Egyptians' food warehouses from invasions of parasites and rodents. In ancient Egypt, cats were so revered that they murder was considered a crime punishable by death. The pages of the story tell about the tragic and brutal death of a man killed by an angry mob after he accidentally killed his own cat. Even the official pardon of the pharaoh Ptolemy XII  was not enough to save the poor man from his terrible fate.

The idea of ​​associating cats with hunting, protection and motherhood spread in ancient Rome, where cats became a symbol of the goddess Diana. In ancient Rome, a cat was supposed to bring good luck to everyone who lived with him in the house, and bring them family happiness. Even northern peoples picked up this idea. Their goddess of fertility, Freyja , was distinguished not only by beauty, elegance, grace and intelligence, but also by a fierce warrior who protected her people. It's not for nothing that cats are considered a symbol of feminine strength and beauty!

Felines are often associated with witchcraft and paganism in Europe perhaps partly due to the import of ideas from Egypt and Rome. Diana, the goddess of the moon, became a symbol of paganism and witchcraft in the Middle Ages. At a time when the atmosphere of religious repression reigned, freethinkers, creative expression and pagan customs were outlawed and considered abhorrent. Alternative thoughts were seen as the work of satanic power, and all symbols associated with them were considered evil.

Unfortunately, cats (and especially black cats) were considered messengers of the demon, and many of the superstitions we still carry with us today stem from the religious stagnation of the Middle Ages. But one look at the adorable face of your dear feline will be enough to convince you that there is nothing wrong with it.

Cats are free spirits that show great independence and intelligence rarely found in the animal kingdom. A collection of stories has been armed over the centuries illustrating their ability to do exactly what they want. Domestic cats are strange creatures: at any moment they start rubbing each other on your feet for you to stroke their belly, to great ignorance of you. They can be loving and charming and then completely arrogant for a nanosecond. Cats' mood swings have been the inspiration for many stories describing the dramatic changeable abilities of animals.

According to legends, cats can change shape and move freely between physical and spiritual realities, carrying messages to the deceased. In Japan there is the legend that a cat can "change" a woman's behavior , therefore, the fairer sex is often considered unpredictable and secretive. For many women, being with felines is a compliment and warning against those who try to dominate or control them. Simply put, a free spirit cannot be controlled.

The meaning of a cat tattoo

Cats are more than our furry feline friends. They symbolize many things , including:

• Feminine power
• Luck and prosperity
• Mystery and Secrets
• Spirituality and connection with the Divine
• Connection with the afterlife
• DEF
• Intelligence and intuition
• Elegance and sophistication
• Attention

Cat tattoo options

Whether you want a lucky cat tattoo, an image of a fat cat, or even a drawing of Felix the cat on your body, you will find these types of tattoos in all shapes, colors and styles. These drawings can represent your favorite cartoon characters such as Garfield , or contain spiritual and tribal elements. Many of these images mimic the natural color of cats (black, white, gray, red, spotted, striped, etc.) and are sometimes done as a tribute to the great companion in life.

1. Tattoos of black cats

When it comes to black cats, images of witches, old brooms and big black boiling cauldrons come to mind. Black cats are usually associated with unfortunate changes in fate, and many stories warn us not to disturb the cats of this color. These ideas came from Celtic cultureat that time and at that time, black cats were sacrificed to ward off the demon. For some people, black cats are an omen of destruction, walking silently through the night, something that should be avoided at all costs; while for others the black color of the cat makes it adorable, mysterious and intriguing. Black cat tattoos are symbols of femininity, mystery and hidden power due to their connection with the unknown and paganism.

2. Tattoos of cat footprints.

Paw prints represent an emotional or mental overcoming of a difficult moment. They symbolize progress and the need to move forward in life. Have you ever wondered why Japanese and Chinese businesses have little cat figurines with their paws raised? In Asian culture, this is an ancient symbol of good luck that arose several centuries ago from the legend of Maneki Neko ... Although there are several versions of the myth, they all focus on the story of a poor man who suddenly became rich after showing kindness to a cat that raised its front paw in front of him. Cat paw print tattoos represent wealth, luck and progress.

3. Cat skull tattoo.

Skull tattoos are often associated with death, destruction and disease. The very image of the skull can be nerve-wracking and frustrating for many people. But given this animal's strong connection to the afterlife, feline skull tattoos are instead seen as a more subtle way to symbolize your understanding and acceptance of the inevitable. In a sense, this tattoo is a sign of courage because it shows that you are not afraid to face your mortality.

4. Tattoo of a cat's eye.

Famous sculptor of the USA Hiram Powers said: "The eye is the mirror of the soul ... The intellect, will is visible in the eyes ...". Nothing more truthful has ever been said about cats. The cat's eye is often seen as a symbol of intelligence, wisdom, and the door to the Divine. It is considered the secret object of mysticism, which allows those close to this symbol to approach the elements of life in the afterlife. Cat eye tattoos represent your ability to see more than you really are. You can analyze the situation and see each action as a manifestation of something more.