ADVERTISEMENT

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!

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Simple cats line arm tattoos

lindztattooz Report

Add photo comments
POST
Adrian Jenkin (MarauderDeuce)
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is really very cool, could be a good tattoo for someone fighting depression, "Will always land on my feet."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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. 

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

#14

Cat walking line chest tattoo

lya Brezinski Report

Add photo comments
POST
Quant
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a neat idea, it's really well executed, but it's disturbing me emotionally that it's across the whole width of the chest ;) My mind is rebelling against this, it feels like it should be a small tattoo :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

What kind of cat tattoo would last you the longest?

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#31

Cat symbol arm tattoo

Shelli Stanley Report

Add photo comments
POST
Pamela Mitchell
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I may have to borrow this idea - I had been trying to figure something different for a semi-colon tattoo. I've been drawing mine with a sharpie until I found the right one....

View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Galaxy inside black cat arm tattoo

merry_tattooer Report

Add photo comments
POST
Christine Packard Didier
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this because I think my cats feel the world revolves around them, that they rule the universe.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Cute half cat face arm tattoo

inkarnaval Report

Add photo comments
POST
Andreia Otirnica
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is me trying to draw a face but I can only do a perfect eye so the rest doesn't matter. Very cute tat though

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#52

Cat with bones arm tattoo

ashtimlin Report

Add photo comments
POST
Amanda Pherson
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this tattoo! The concept is so unique and different from any other cat tattoo I've seen <3

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#67

Simple small line leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#69

Simple line cat with cup and tea leg tattoo

lillesnegl Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kahlo Smith
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This reminds me of Alice in Wonderland! What would that make the Cheshire Cat?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#70

Simple cat face arm tattoo

impulseinktattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#80

Cute black cat with watermelon stomach tattoo

thedolorosatattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#83

Cat face in triangle side tattoo

ivecatstattoohouse Report

Add photo comments
POST
#84

Colorful cat above knee tattoo

tai9a Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#89

Yin and yang cat arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#96

Colorful brown cat holding knitting ball leg tattoo

akvark0 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#97

Cat sleeping on pillow tattoo

jen_vonklitzing Report

Add photo comments
POST
#98

Brown and blue eyes stomach tattoo

doodle.popo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#99

Line cat side tattoo

jackpoohvis Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#101

Cat jumping leg tattoo

annitamaslov Report

Add photo comments
POST
#104

Cat with green eyes face arm tattoo

plantingtattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#109

Couple cats shoulder tattoo

tattooist_doy Report

Add photo comments
POST
phattiusmax
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lol...it looks like the grey tabby just b*tch slapped the other one!

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#118

Cat face arm tattoo

dogma_noir Report

Add photo comments
POST
#119

Cat looking up leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#121

Colorful brown and white cats arm tattoo

soltattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#122

White cat with blue eyes arm tattoo

soltattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#123

Line cat with colorful butterflies and foots arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#126

White cat arm tattoo

instagram.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
#128

Simple line cat arm tattoo

iredavila Report

Add photo comments
POST
Adrian Jenkin (MarauderDeuce)
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Saw this one much earlier - the image at least. Wonder if it's the same tattoo or someone else with the same tattoo.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#131

Cat and moon with stars arm tattoo

moonsheentattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#132

Line cat leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#134

Colorful cosmic cat arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
Katie Jamberri Nails
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful colors! You can see the subtle hint of shapes, like the head and thigh. I love this!

#135

Colorful cats watching back tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#136

Cat sleeping arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#137

Cat and skull back neck tattoo

marla_moon Report

Add photo comments
POST
#138

White cat with blue eyes shoulder Tattoo

mandrill_tattoo Report

Add photo comments
POST
#139

Colorful cat leg tattoo

thedavidcote Report

Add photo comments
POST
#140

Colorful geometrical cat leg tattoo

Jan Mraz Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#141

Geometrical simple cat arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#144

Sleeping cat chest tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#145

Colorful black cat with flowers back tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#147

Black cat with pumpkin tattoo

indicaink Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#150

Cat colorful portrait leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#151

Colorful cat arm tattoo

Nicholas%20Lynch%20 Report

Add photo comments
POST
#153

Geometrical cat arm tattoo

noristic Report

Add photo comments
POST
#154

Cat line portrait arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#155

Unicorn line cats tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#156

Watercolor brown and white cat sleeping arm tattoo

barisyesilbas Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#157

Colorful purple cat tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#158

Line art cat arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#159

Cat symbol arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#161

Simple line cat tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#163

Colorful cats arm tattoos

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#164

Geometrical cat face leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#165

Cat face feet tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#166

Cat face with leaves arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#167

Cat and love arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#168

Cat portrait back tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#169

Rainbow Unicorn Kittenfly cat tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#170

Cat face shoulder tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#172

Cat finger faces tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#173

Cat portrait arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#174

Simple cat line back spine tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#175

Cats watching stomach tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#177

Creepy smiling colorful cat skeleton leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#178

Cat unicorn eating ice cream arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#180

Cat line arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#181

Cats hiding in paprika arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#182

Colorful cat with flowers leg tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#183

Colorful brown and black cats back tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#184

Cat face with flowers arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#185

Musical cat symbol shoulder tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#186

Cat skeleton arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#187

Cat sleepin arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#188

Cat symbol and paw arm tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
#189

Blakc cat and moon shoulder tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST
#190

Geometrical cat shoulder tattoo

Report

Add photo comments
POST