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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!
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#1
Minimalistic Tattoo
AprilBailey 9 years ago
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)
RELATED:
#2
Forever A Cat Lady
#3
Sleeping Kitty Wrist Tattoo
dar nelson 6 years ago
i have a crystal cat that looks like this. it's called a hand cooler by steuben.
#4
Yin And Yang Cat Tattoo
#6
My Cattoo Is Also A Semicolon
#7
Cat Tattoo
#9
New Tattoo Or Should I Say Cattoo?
#11
Geometric Cat Tattoo
KittiTanka 9 years ago
Wouldn't personally get it, but there's something about this that i just love
#12
Minimalistic Cat Tattoo
#14
My First Tattoo
#15
Sleeping Kitty Tattoo
#16
Simon's Cat Tattoo
#17
Cat Tattoo
#19
Different Kind Of Pet Portrait
#20
High Five Cats Tattoo
TrishaLusher 9 years ago
My best friend and I have this tattoo so when we high five, our cats high five as well!!!
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.
#21
Cat Tattoo
#24
Stretching Cat Tattoo
#25
Ying And Yang Cat Tattoo
#26
My Cat And Tatoo :)
Final score:
36points
#30
My Tattoo In Memory Of My Cat Snoopy
#35
Cat Tattoo
#36
G-at!!
Final score:
31points
#40
Tattoo For My Lost Cat
Final score:
26points
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!
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.
#41
Cat Lover Tat :)
Final score:
26points
#43
Catella
Final score:
25points
#47
Cat Tattoo
#49
Here's Mine Freshly Finished. My Husband Drew It For Me
#54
My Minimalist Cat Tattoo
Final score:
14points
#56
Final score:
12points
#57
Well I Got My First Tattoo Today
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.
- 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.
#63
In Honor Of All The Cats I Have Ever Loved And All The Cats I Will Love
Final score:
9points
#67
Cattoo On Ribs
Final score:
8points
#68
Cat Tattoo From 1997!
Final score:
8points
#70
Some More Simon's Cat Tattoos :-)
Final score:
7points
#71
#musickcat
Final score:
7points
#72
My Friend Ivan Got This Beautiful Tattoo 3 Years Ago
Final score:
7points
#75
My Latest One Right After It Was Finished
Final score:
6points
#77
The Tattoo Of My Baby Mowgli Who Was Put To Sleep And His Best Friend Maggy Missing Him
Final score:
6points
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.
#82
Not That Minimalistic, But Still, A Cat Lover Tatoo! (by Taniacatclaw)
Final score:
5points
#83
Self-drawn Ankle Cat Tattoo =^..^=
Final score:
5points
#84
Sassy - Model & Wearer
Final score:
5points
#93
Mmmmmmmmmiao!!!!!
Final score:
3points
#97
Picasso Cat
Final score:
2points
#100
Playing Cats Tattoo
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.
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.
#102
Got Mine On International Cat Day
Final score:
1point
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!
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