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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!

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

Simple cats line arm tattoos

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Adrian Jenkin (MarauderDeuce)
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7 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. 

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.

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#14

Cat walking line chest tattoo

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Quant
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7 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?

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

Cat symbol arm tattoo

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Pamela Mitchell
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7 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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Kristin Miller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cat and Semicolon. Meaning full, my cats have kept me going often. I can’t leave them behind.

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#33

Galaxy inside black cat arm tattoo

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Christine Packard Didier
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7 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

Cute half cat face arm tattoo

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Andreia Otirnica
Community Member
7 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 with bones arm tattoo

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Amanda Pherson
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7 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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#63

Colorful cat foot arm tattoo

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#67

Simple small line leg tattoo

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#69

Simple line cat with cup and tea leg tattoo

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Kahlo Smith
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7 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

Simple cat face arm tattoo

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#75

Cat sitting back ear tattoo

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#80

Cute black cat with watermelon stomach tattoo

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#83

Cat face in triangle side tattoo

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#84

Colorful cat above knee tattoo

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#89

Yin and yang cat arm tattoo

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#96

Colorful brown cat holding knitting ball leg tattoo

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#97

Cat sleeping on pillow tattoo

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#98

Brown and blue eyes stomach tattoo

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#99

Line cat side tattoo

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#101

Cat jumping leg tattoo

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#104

Cat with green eyes face arm tattoo

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#109

Couple cats shoulder tattoo

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phattiusmax
Community Member
7 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

Cat face arm tattoo

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#119

Cat looking up leg tattoo

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#121

Colorful brown and white cats arm tattoo

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#122

White cat with blue eyes arm tattoo

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#123

Line cat with colorful butterflies and foots arm tattoo

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#126

White cat arm tattoo

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#128

Simple line cat arm tattoo

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Adrian Jenkin (MarauderDeuce)
Community Member
7 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 and moon with stars arm tattoo

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#132

Line cat leg tattoo

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#134

Colorful cosmic cat arm tattoo

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Katie Jamberri Nails
Community Member
7 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

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#136

Cat sleeping arm tattoo

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#137

Cat and skull back neck tattoo

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#138

White cat with blue eyes shoulder Tattoo

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#139

Colorful cat leg tattoo

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#140

Colorful geometrical cat leg tattoo

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#141

Geometrical simple cat arm tattoo

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#144

Sleeping cat chest tattoo

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#145

Colorful black cat with flowers back tattoo

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#147

Black cat with pumpkin tattoo

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#150

Cat colorful portrait leg tattoo

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#151

Colorful cat arm tattoo

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#153

Geometrical cat arm tattoo

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#154

Cat line portrait arm tattoo

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#155

Unicorn line cats tattoo

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#156

Watercolor brown and white cat sleeping arm tattoo

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#157

Colorful purple cat tattoo

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#158

Line art cat arm tattoo

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#159

Cat symbol arm tattoo

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#161

Simple line cat tattoo

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#163

Colorful cats arm tattoos

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#164

Geometrical cat face leg tattoo

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#165

Cat face feet tattoo

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#166

Cat face with leaves arm tattoo

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#167

Cat and love arm tattoo

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#168

Cat portrait back tattoo

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#169

Rainbow Unicorn Kittenfly cat tattoo

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#170

Cat face shoulder tattoo

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#172

Cat finger faces tattoo

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#173

Cat portrait arm tattoo

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#174

Simple cat line back spine tattoo

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#175

Cats watching stomach tattoo

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#177

Creepy smiling colorful cat skeleton leg tattoo

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#178

Cat unicorn eating ice cream arm tattoo

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#180

Cat line arm tattoo

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#181

Cats hiding in paprika arm tattoo

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#182

Colorful cat with flowers leg tattoo

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#183

Colorful brown and black cats back tattoo

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#184

Cat face with flowers arm tattoo

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#185

Musical cat symbol shoulder tattoo

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#186

Cat skeleton arm tattoo

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#187

Cat sleepin arm tattoo

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#188

Cat symbol and paw arm tattoo

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#189

Blakc cat and moon shoulder tattoo

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#190

Geometrical cat shoulder tattoo

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