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We all know that cats are the cutest, most mischievous, and quirky animals ever, but did you know that in ancient Egypt, they were associated with the goddesses Isis and Ba’at, often depicted in various drawings and even mummified? Or that later, in the Middle Ages, cats were killed en masse since people associated them with witchcraft? Luckily, the feline genocide ended with a medieval king of Wales, Hywel Dda, who made killing or harming cats illegal.

With this much of our and our cat’s history overlapping, it is natural that our feline companions have gathered many symbolic meanings to them. While a black cat might be seen as an omen of bad luck, cats, in general, are seen as symbols of independence, rebellion, and intelligence. Now, suppose you are in the process of choosing a new body art. In that case, an adorable kitty tattoo might seem like a great idea, embodying many desirable qualities.

108 Liniar, Minimalist Cat Tattoos, and Outline Designs

Line art cat tattoos are minimalist designs that use only lines and curves to create an image. Cat lovers can find many ways to incorporate their feline friends into their line art tattoos. Cat’s cuteness, mystery, and magic have various meanings in different cultures. As we will cover the symbolism of varying cat imagery, we have compiled various cat outline tattoo artworks for our beloved pets below if you’re looking for cat tattoo ideas

Small tattoos of cats can be done in black or colored ink, ranging from geometric shapes to realistic portraits, from minimalist tattoos and simple kitten designs to realistic drawing ideas. Here’s our selection — we’ve tried to include eye-catching examples for every cat person out there as much as possible!

#1

Minimalistic Tattoo

Cat hugging an arm with his tattooed face on it

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AprilBailey
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG - My Patches looks just like this one!!! Wonder if it's paws are like hers (one paw all white pads nut one black and the other paw is all black but one white)

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    #3

    Sleeping Kitty Wrist Tattoo

    sleeping cat line tattoo

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    dar nelson
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i have a crystal cat that looks like this. it's called a hand cooler by steuben.

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    #8

    Minimalistic Cat Tattoo

    Cat tattoo on the ankle

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    #11

    Geometric Cat Tattoo

    Geometric cat tattoo with colourful splashes

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    KittiTanka
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wouldn't personally get it, but there's something about this that i just love

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    #15

    Sleeping Kitty Tattoo

    Sleeping cat tattoo

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    #19

    Different Kind Of Pet Portrait

    Cat's face geometric tattoo

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    #20

    High Five Cats Tattoo

    Two cats giving each other high five

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    TrishaLusher
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My best friend and I have this tattoo so when we high five, our cats high five as well!!!

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    Cat Silhouette: What Does a Cat Tattoo Symbolize?

    When it comes to a cat tattoo, its significance mainly depends on the wearer’s personal interpretation. The design and color of the tattoo, as well as the cultural context, can also add to its symbolism. Ultimately, cats are associated with various meanings, each distinctive to the individual who bears it.

    • Resilience. Cats are known for surviving and adapting to different situations. Some believe cats have nine lives, representing their strength and endurance. A cat tattoo can also show that the wearer is resilient and can overcome any challenges in life.
    • Luck. Cats are often associated with good luck, especially in Asian cultures. The Maneki Neko, or the beckoning cat, is a popular figure believed to attract fortune and wealth. A cat tattoo can express the wearer’s hope for luck and prosperity.
    • Femininity. Cats are also symbols of femininity, fertility, and motherhood. In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals, and the goddess Bastet was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat’s head. She was the goddess of domesticity, childbirth, and protection. A cat tattoo can represent the wearer’s feminine qualities or connection to the divine feminine.
    • Mystery. Cats are mysterious creatures that have a sense of curiosity and independence. They can be elusive and secretive but also playful and affectionate. A cat tattoo can reflect the wearer’s personality or interest in the unknown.
    • Love. Some people choose a meaningful matching cat tattoo to pay tribute to their feline best friend. You can get a realistic snout portrait of your cat or a paw print tattoo to honor your bond. You can love your pet unconditionally by inking a cute cat tattoo.
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    #21

    Cat Tattoo

    Maine coon cat finger tattoo

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    #24

    Stretching Cat Tattoo

    Cat stretching tattoo

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    #25

    Ying And Yang Cat Tattoo

    Yin Yang wrist tattoo

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    #27

    'watercolor Cat' ;-)

    Watercolour cat tattoo

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    #29

    Tattoo To Honor The Cats I Have Lost

    Sleeping cat tattoo

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    #30

    My Tattoo In Memory Of My Cat Snoopy

    Cat tattoo on the shoulder

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    #32

    Black Cat Tattoo

    Black cat with pink bow-tie tattoo

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    #35

    Cat Tattoo

    Geometrical cat face tattoo

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    #37

    Kitty Tattoo

    Black cat tattoo behind an ear

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    #39

    Cat Tattoo

    Lined cat tattoo

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    #40

    Tattoo For My Lost Cat

    Cat and cats' paw prints tattoo

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    Line Art Tattoos: Are Cat Tattoos Popular?

    Cat tattoos are popular among many who love cats or want to express their personality or beliefs through feline imagery. Some of the most famous designs often draw inspiration from beloved characters in literature, film, and cartoons, such as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, Garfield, Hello Kitty, or Simba from The Lion King.

    As they can be created in various manners, such as realistic, fantasy, watercolor, tribal, neo-traditional, or geometric cat tattoo styles, linework is one of the most popular styles of tattooing. This style’s simplicity and clean, precise lines create delicate, minimalist designs. It’s no wonder they’re so popular!  

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    Whether looking for a new design or a way to show your love for cats, you can’t go wrong with a stunning line art simple cat tattoo. Belonging to some of the best tattoo designs, cat line art tattoos can be inked on various parts of the body.

    #42

    Cat Tattoo

    Pusheen ankle tattoo

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    #44

    Cat Tattoo

    Lined cat arm tattoo

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    #45

    My Girlfriends Simple Cat Tattoo And Her Cat

    Small lined cat foot tattoo

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    #46

    In Loving Memory Of My Cat Dexter

    Black cat wrist tattoo

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    #51

    A Minimalist Cat

    Lined cat tattoo

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    #52

    My Two Kitties, Alvin And Alice

    Two cats tattoo

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    #53

    My Lovely Yellow Boy ;)

    Cat's paw on the arm tattoo

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    #55

    Cat Tattoo

    Sleepy cat arm tattoo

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    #59

    In Honor Of My Kitten Who Died

    Sleepy cat tattoo

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    #60

    In Memory Of My Partner In Crime For 21 Years ...

    Cat and cat's paws tattoos behind an ear

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    Minimalist Cat Tattoos: Where Do You Put a Small Cat Tattoo?

    Minimalist cat tattoos can be placed on various body parts depending on your preference and pain tolerance. Before choosing the tattoo design, you should know that different body parts have various pain levels. Of course, minimalist tattoos are usually subtle and not as bold as other styles, so they can be less painful. There are some places to put small cat tattoos, simple designs, and geometric styles. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, depending on how noticeable you want it to be.

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    • Back of the neck. A discreet and elegant spot for a small cat tattoo. It can be easily hidden by your hair or clothing and shown off when you want to. A cat tattoo on your neck can symbolize your connection to your feline friend or your mysterious and independent personality.
    • Wrist. A pretty common and convenient place for a simple cat tattoo. It can be seen by yourself and others, and it can also be covered by a watch or a bracelet. A tattoo on your wrist can represent your love for cats or your playful and curious nature.
    • Behind the ear. A cute and subtle location for a minimalist cat tattoo. It can be hidden by your hair or ear but also revealed when you tuck it behind your ear or wear earrings. A cat tattoo behind the ear can symbolize your femininity or affinity for music and sound.
    • Ankle. A stylish and trendy spot for a simple cat tattoo. It can be easily exposed by wearing shorts, skirts, or sandals but also concealed by socks or shoes. A cat tattoo on your ankle can symbolize your gracefulness or adventurous spirit.
    • Belly. An attractive place for a minimalist cat tattoo. It can be easily hidden by clothing but also shown off when desired. A cat tattoo on the belly can express your creativity, playfulness, and humor.
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    #61

    My Babies

    Cat tattoos on both feet

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    #62

    My Cat "porota" ^-^

    Cat's head with blue eyes arm tattoo

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    #63

    In Honor Of All The Cats I Have Ever Loved And All The Cats I Will Love

    Cat and cat's paws tattoo

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    Diane Bonk
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the description. The more I look at it it's soooo me.Thanks

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    #65

    Cat Tattoo

    Fluffy cat wrist tattoo

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    #66

    My Bff And I Got Matching Cat Tattoos

    Cat and cat's paw tattoos on both arms

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    #70

    Some More Simon's Cat Tattoos :-)

    Simon's cat sleeve tattoo

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    #72

    My Friend Ivan Got This Beautiful Tattoo 3 Years Ago

    Cat wearing a hat and a bow-tie tattoo

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    #73

    Watercolour Cattoo

    Watercolour cat's face tattoo

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    #74

    Thomas O'Malley The Ally Cat

    Thomas O'Malley tattoo

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    #75

    My Latest One Right After It Was Finished

    Smilling cat tattoo

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    #76

    Happy Kitty

    Cat's face tattoo

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    #77

    The Tattoo Of My Baby Mowgli Who Was Put To Sleep And His Best Friend Maggy Missing Him

    Cat's face with blue eyes tattoo

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    #78

    My Minimalist Kitty Tattoo

    Cat catching butterflies tattoo

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    #79

    Cat Tattoo

    Lined cat tattoo

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    #80

    My Favorite Tattoo

    Cat with blue eyes tattoo

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    Black Cat Tattoo: Why Is a Black Cat a Symbol? 

    As a white cat symbolizes purity, freedom, and good luck, a black cat is usually associated with mystery and secrecy. Though, it’s not necessarily a symbol of black luck, as is often assumed. Let’s look deeper and see what kind of various things symbolize a black cat. If any of these meanings sound familiar to you, you might like to get a black cat tattoo!

    • Nighttime. A black cat symbolizes nighttime because of its dark color and nocturnal nature. Cats are active, alert at night, and can see well in the dark. A black cat can represent the night’s mystery, peace, and magic.
    • Resilience. A black cat symbolizes stability because of its ability to survive and adapt to different situations. Some believe cats have nine lives, representing their strength and endurance. 
    • Luck. A black cat symbolizes luck because it is often associated with good fortune and prosperity; in some cultures, such as Scotland and Ireland, a black cat’s arrival at the home portended wealth and happiness.
    • Femininity. A black cat symbolizes femininity because it is linked to the feminine aspect of oneself or the divine feminine. In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals, and the goddess Bastet was depicted as a cat or a woman with a cat’s head. She was the goddess of domesticity, childbirth, and protection.
    • Mystery. A black cat symbolizes mystery because it’s elusive and secretive. Cats are independent and curious creatures that can be hard to understand or predict. 
    • Love. A black cat symbolizes love because it can show affection and loyalty for one’s pet cat or cat. Some people get a realistic portrait of their cat or a paw print to commemorate their bond. A black cat can be a way of honoring a beloved feline friend.
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    #81

    Cat Tattoo

    Cat's face, moon and rectangle tattoo

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    #82

    Not That Minimalistic, But Still, A Cat Lover Tatoo! (by Taniacatclaw)

    Red cat tattoo

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    #84

    Sassy - Model & Wearer

    Woman with cat's eyes shoulder tattoo holding her cat

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    #85

    My Love

    Black cat wrist tattoo

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    #86

    Last Tattoo...of My 40's? Last Tattoo...ever. ;p

    Lined cat tattoo

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    #87

    My First And Only Tattoo ^..^

    Black cat wearing collar tattoo

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    #88

    Simple Cat

    Line cat stretching tattoo

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    #89

    Sistes Cattoos

    Three arms with black cats tattoos

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    #90

    Love My Cat "adrianuzca´s"

    Human petting a cat in the drawer

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    #91

    Minimalist Yin And Yang

    Black and white cats back tattoo

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    #92

    Sleeping Cat

    Sleepy cat tattoo

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    #94

    Rip Riley

    Cat and name "Riky" tattoo

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    #95

    My Cattoo

    Sleepy cat tattoo behind an ear

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    #96

    Cat

    Cat's face ankle tattoo

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    #98

    Very Detailed Cat

    Sleepy cat shoulder tattoo

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    #99

    Kittyy Kittyy

    Cat walking tattoo

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    #100

    Playing Cats Tattoo

    Two cats playing tattoo

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    Noor
    Community Member
    9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    if you said it where two playing dogs I would have believed you..

    Yin Yang Tattoo Ideas: What Does Yin Yang Cat Tattoo Mean?

    The Yin Yang symbol represents the Taoist philosophy of duality, which states that everything in the universe has two complementary and interdependent aspects. Yin is the dark, passive, feminine, and opposing force, while Yang is the light, active, masculine, and positive force. Together, they form a dynamic equilibrium that creates and sustains life.

    Cat as a symbol has various meanings in different cultures. In China, where the Yin Yang concept originated, cats are seen as lucky and auspicious creatures that can ward off evil spirits and bring prosperity. Cats are also associated with wisdom, independence, curiosity, and grace. 

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    A Yin Yang Cat tattoo combines these elements to create a unique and meaningful design. The tattoo usually consists of two cats facing opposite directions within a circle. One cat is black, representing Yin, while the other cat is white, representing Yang. The tattoo can symbolize the balance between opposites, such as light and dark, good and bad, male and female, etc.

    #101

    My First Cat Tattoo (third In Total)

    Black cat and cat's paws tattoo

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    #102

    Got Mine On International Cat Day

    Geometrical cat wrist tattoo

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    #103

    Black Cat Tattoo

    Black cat tattoo

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    #104

    My Baby

    Orange cat with green collar tattoo

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    #105

    Kitty Palm

    A person with cat tattoo on the wrist holding sleepy kitten

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    #106

    Sleepy Heart Kitties

    Two sleepy cats heart shape tattoo

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    #107

    Kitty

    Black wrist cat tattoo

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    #108

    Kara Kedi

    Black cat and a star wrist tattoo

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    From Whisker to Tail: Cat-Inspired Line Art Tattoos

    Line art tattoos are a great way to show your love and appreciation for cats and your artistic flair. Whether you want a small and simple tattoo or a large and intricate one, you can find a line art cat tattoo that suits your taste and preference. Consult a professional tattoo artist to help you create and execute your perfect line art cat tattoo!