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190 Cat Tattoo Ideas To Express Yourself As A Cat Person
Tattoo ArtOCT 18, 2016

190 Cat Tattoo Ideas To Express Yourself As A Cat Person

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When considering various options for what to memorize on your skin, pets often come first. We hold them close to our hearts and wouldn’t think twice if presented with the possibility of tattooing an image of a loved furry companion. Today, though, it’s all about cats and cat tattoo ideas.
Cute kittens commemorating your skin can be the best thing for a cat lover. Whether it’s a close pet or just a symbol of your chosen meaning, whatever the reason, that kind of tattoo will surely age well. Cats were loved by ancient Egyptians years ago and are still adored today. Do you see these fluffy friends going out of style any time soon? Neither do we.
Choosing your first tattoo can bring quite a headache. There are so many designs out there that you won’t be able to pick out one unless you already know what you want. As a start to your tattoo journey, a cute and simple cat tattoo can be a great choice. It is not too invading, can be placed out of sight, and can help you get comfortable around the idea of having something on your skin. Also so damn cute!
Besides, tattoos can be a great tool to express your thoughts and feelings. For example, a minimalist cat tattoo can symbolize values and virtues you hold dear. Throughout the ages, tattoos have also been the number one tool to express your culture, interests, and personal, intimate details. Not only that, but animal tattoos can also act as scar cover-ups to hide anything you wouldn’t like the world to see, especially if the cat is the culprit!
Without further ado, let’s dig into this list of fantastic cat tattoo ideas! Vote for your favorites and share them with your friends. Who knows, perhaps you’ll inspire their next ink? Or just take your friend to the tattoo salon and get matching ones!

#1 Unexpected Feline Glance

Cat tattoo with heterochromatic eyes on a woman's shoulder, featuring a minimalist design.
333points

#2 Shadowed Secrets

Abstract cat tattoo design on forearm, featuring sharp lines and shading.
314points

#3 Matching Vibes Only

Cat tattoo on a wrist next to a sleeping black and white cat on a patterned blanket.
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310points

#4 A Step Ahead

Cat tattoo design on leg, featuring a cat with heterochromatic eyes and artistic swirls.
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306points

#5 Feline Forest Vibes

Cat tattoo featuring a silhouette with tree design on forearm.
298points

What does a cat tattoo symbolize?

Just like our furry friends, a cute cat tattoo can embody many meanings and values. Usually, though, a cat represents:

  • Grace
  • Intelligence
  • Cunning
  • Independence
  • Stealth
  • Sensuality
  • Seduction

Nevertheless, what you want the tattoo to represent is entirely up to you. It can be something different from the most popular meanings. Maybe you relate to cats personally or have a cat you want to stay in your heart forever. Whatever it is, memorizing it on your skin is one of the best ways to hold on to the memory.

#6 Peekaboo Vibes

Cat tattoo on forearm featuring a curious, realistic cat peeking over the skin.
291points

#7 Whisker Goals

Cat tattoo on finger mimicking cat face with a playful cat in the background.
280points

#8 Hidden Detail Magic

Glowing Cheshire cat tattoo with eyes and smile on skin, showing its unique look in normal and UV light.
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271points

#9 Stacked For Success

Line art of multiple cats stacked together as a cat tattoo design.
265points

#10 Color Outside The Lines

Watercolor cat tattoo on shoulder, vibrant colors, expressing love for cats.
263points

Cat tattoos: Which tattoo style to go with?

Tattoos are versatile; you can visualize any image in numerous ways, each as unique as the ideas themselves. Of course, different tattoo styles can carry a different message, but that’s the beauty of it—you can create an aesthetic that will be your own. As to what styles are out there, you can go from realistic cat tattoos to abstract ones, and you’ll still have countless options left. 

Here are some tattoo styles that would work great to portray a cat:

No one’s holding you from mixing these styles, either! You can work with your tattoo artist to create a unique piece of art that would fit your personality and vision perfectly.

#11 Balanced Ink Art

Neck tattoo featuring a yin-yang design with cats, perfect for cat person expression.
253points

#12 Quiet Companionship

Minimalist cat tattoo on a person's back, ideal for cat lovers seeking unique tattoo ideas.
248points

#13 Paws and Petals

Cat tattoo design with floral accents on a person's arm, showcasing vibrant colors and artistic expression.
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233points

#14 Walking the Line

Black cat tattoo on upper chest, resembling a silhouette walking on a line, showcasing cat tattoo ideas.
228points

#15 Cosmic Cat Vibes

Cat tattoo featuring cosmic designs with planets and stars on an arm.
182points

What kind of cat tattoo would last you the longest?

Like with any other tattoo, the quality, ink of choice, and artist’s capability will influence the longevity of your piece. More colorful ink types, like those in watercolor-style tattoos, can possess the risk of fading quickly. 

Usually, all black tattoos have the most extended lifespan, as proven by their popularity. However, if you crave a more colorful tattoo, don’t worry! You can always get it touched up, refreshed, and given a second life.

#16 Too Cute to Handle

Cat tattoo on forearm featuring a realistic gray tabby design.
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173points

#17 Cosmic Howl Vibes

Colorful cat tattoo with galaxy design on forearm, featuring a howling wolf silhouette.
149points

#18 Pocket-Sized Purrfection

Cat tattoo on forearm featuring a black and white cat with green eyes, perfect for cat person self-expression.
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147points

#19 Wildlife on the Move

Two colorful cat tattoos on a person's calves, showcasing unique cat tattoo ideas.
143points

#20 Invisible Pet Problems

Cat tattoo on person's rib, showcasing a minimalist design under a red shirt.
142points

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