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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!

RELATED:

    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.

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    #9

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

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    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."

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    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. 

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    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

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

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    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 :)

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    What kind of cat tattoo would last you the longest?

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    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.

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    #31

    Semicolon cat tattoo on wrist, minimalist design for cat lovers.

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    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....

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    #33

    Galaxy-themed cat tattoo on arm, featuring a cosmic swirl and stars, perfect for cat lovers expressing themselves.

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    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.

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    #36

    Cat tattoo design on forearm with minimalistic lines depicting a cat's eye, nose, and whiskers.

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    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

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    #52

    Cat tattoo with skeleton design on forearm, showcasing unique body art for cat lovers.

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    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

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    #67

    Minimal cat tattoo outline on ankle, perfect for cat persons.

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    #69

    Cat tattoo featuring teapot and teacup on thigh, showcasing unique design for cat enthusiasts.

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    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?

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    #70

    Minimalist cat tattoo on forearm, showcasing simple line art to express love for cats.

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    #80

    Cat tattoo of a black cat lying on a watermelon slice, surrounded by colorful flowers.

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    #83

    Cat tattoo design on a shoulder, featuring a triangular cat face illustration.

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    #84

    Abstract cat tattoo design on a person's leg, showcasing bold colors and creative style for cat tattoo art enthusiasts.

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    #89

    Yin yang cat tattoo design on a wrist, showcasing stylish expression for cat lovers.

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    #96

    Colorful cat tattoo of a sleeping feline with a geometric blue background on an arm.

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    #97

    Minimalist cat tattoo of a curled-up cat on a cushion, symbolizing a cat person's affection.

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    #98

    Two colorful cat eyes tattooed on a person's side, partially covered by a red sweater.

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    #99

    Geometric cat tattoo on a person's side, showcasing intricate line designs and unique cat art style.

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    #101

    Cat tattoo on ankle depicting a curled-up feline design.

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    #104

    Small black cat tattoo on a person's arm, representing cat lovers.

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    #109

    Cat tattoo featuring two cats on a person's shoulder, showcasing a minimalist and artistic design.

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    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!

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    #118

    Sphynx cat tattoo on forearm, showcasing detailed shading and lines, perfect for expressing your love as a cat person.

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    #119

    Black silhouette cat tattoo on an ankle, showcasing a simple design for cat person expression.

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    #121

    Two forearm cat tattoos, one with a playful cat, the other a sleeping cat surrounded by flowers, showcasing cat tattoo ideas.

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    #122

    Minimalist cat tattoo on forearm, perfect for cat tattoo ideas enthusiasts.

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    #123

    Cat tattoo with butterflies and paw prints on a forearm.

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    #126

    Person holding a white cat with a cat tattoo on their arm, expressing love for cats.

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    #128

    A woman with a minimalist cat tattoo on her arm, standing by the beach.

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    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.

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    #131

    Cat tattoo of a silhouetted feline sitting on a crescent moon with stars, expressing a love for cats.

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    #132

    Cat tattoo on a person's foot next to a fluffy cat, showcasing personal expression as a cat person.

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    #134

    Tattoo of a cat silhouette with a galaxy design on an arm, showcasing a creative cat tattoo idea.

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    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 cat tattoo art on shoulder, showcasing intricate watercolor design for cat person expression.

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    #136

    Cat tattoo on forearm featuring a sleeping cat with decorative text and paw prints.

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    #137

    Back tattoo featuring a cat design with half face and half skull.

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    #138

    Small cat tattoo on shoulder, featuring a realistic cat face design, perfect for cat person expression.

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    #139

    Colorful abstract cat tattoo on a person's thigh, showcasing a unique design for cat tattoo enthusiasts.

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    #140

    Geometric cat tattoo on leg, featuring bold lines and vibrant colors, perfect for cat person self-expression.

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    #141

    Geometric cat tattoo on the forearm of a person wearing a gray sweater, showcasing a unique cat person expression.

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    #144

    Minimalist cat tattoo on a person's chest, showcasing a simple outline design.

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    #145

    Cat tattoo design featuring a black cat silhouette with decorative floral elements on a person's upper back.

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    #147

    Cat tattoo featuring a black feline with a pumpkin, showcasing unique and creative ink for cat lovers.

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    #150

    Colorful cat tattoo with intricate floral design framing the feline face.

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    #151

    Watercolor cat tattoo in abstract style on forearm, featuring vibrant pink and blue hues for cat tattoo enthusiasts.

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    #153

    Woman with geometric cat tattoo on her arm, showcasing cat tattoo ideas for self-expression.

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    #154

    A wrist with a small cat tattoo beside a curious cat, symbolizing cat person identity.

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    #155

    Minimalist cat tattoo on a person's side, featuring two cat faces with a braid, in a vibrant tattoo studio.

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    #156

    Watercolor-style cat tattoo on an arm, featuring a sleeping cat with colorful background. Perfect for cat person expression.

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    #157

    A colorful cat tattoo design featuring a sleeping feline, showcasing unique cat tattoo ideas for enthusiasts.

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    #158

    Minimalistic outline of a cat tattoo on inner wrist, showcasing a simple yet elegant cat design.

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    #159

    Minimalist cat tattoo on a person's forearm, embodying cat person spirit.

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    #161

    Simple outline cat tattoo on forearm, perfect for cat person expression.

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    #163

    Arm displaying colorful cat tattoos with floral accents, ideal for cat tattoo inspiration.

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    #164

    Geometric cat tattoo design on skin, showcasing unique artistry for cat tattoo enthusiasts.

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    #165

    Cat tattoo on a foot, featuring a detailed feline face with a bow tie.

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    #166

    Cat tattoo featuring a detailed cat face with green leaves surrounding it, perfect for cat person expression.

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    #167

    Cat tattoo on wrist, featuring a simple cat design with a heart, expressing love for cats.

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    #168

    Cat tattoo on back, showcasing a detailed, artistic feline face design.

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    #169

    Colorful cat tattoo with butterfly wings and a unicorn horn.

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    #170

    Cat tattoo on shoulder, showcasing detailed feline portrait for cat lovers.

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    #172

    Cat tattoos on fingers and toes showcasing playful designs.

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    #173

    A tabby cat sits next to an arm with a colorful cat tattoo, showcasing cat person expression.

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    #174

    Minimal cat tattoo on upper back, showcasing a simple and stylish cat design for cat lovers.

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    #175

    Cat tattoo depicting two stylized feline figures on a person's side.

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    #177

    Colorful Cheshire cat tattoo on leg, showcasing a vibrant expression of a cat person.

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    #178

    Colorful cat tattoo with a unicorn horn and ice cream design on a forearm, ideal for cat person expression.

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    #180

    Minimalistic cat tattoo on forearm, showcasing a peaceful feline design for cat lovers.

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    #181

    Cat tattoo on forearm featuring two cats inside a banana, perfect for cat lovers.

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    #182

    Colorful cat tattoo design on the leg, featuring intricate patterns and floral elements.

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    #183

    Colorful tattoo featuring two cats with geometric patterns and decorative elements, perfect for cat person expression.

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    #184

    Cat tattoo design featuring a minimalist cat face with heart and flowers on an arm.

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    #185

    A small black cat tattoo design on a shoulder, representing cat tattoo ideas for cat enthusiasts.

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    #186

    Cat tattoo on forearm featuring a colorful, abstract design, expressing creativity and love for cats.

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    #187

    Cat tattoo on arm with a sleeping cat, highlighting creative tattoo ideas for cat lovers.

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    #188

    Cat tattoo design featuring a paw print and a semicolon on a wrist.

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    #189

    Cat tattoo featuring a silhouette sitting on a crescent moon with the phrase "I Love You To The Moon And Back."

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    #190

    Woman with geometric cat tattoo on shoulder, expressing her love for cats.

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