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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
8 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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#7

Cat Tattoo

Lined cat tattoo

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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
8 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
8 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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AllMonkeyBizz
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks just like my cat. Always bearing and showing of her a**s.

#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!  

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.

  • 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.
#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
6 months 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

#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.
#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
8 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. 

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!