Whether you’re a fan of tattoos or not, you can’t deny there’s something mesmerizing about them. Many of them are true works of art. They take time and talent, which isn’t something just anyone can do.
For that reason, it makes sense why so many people get tattoos that are meaningful to them. Maybe they get the name of someone they love or a date that’s important to them. Or perhaps, they get a small picture that represents a topic near and dear to their heart.
And of course, one thing we all hold dear is our pets. Dogs, cats, and other animals might not live as long as we do. But they’re living proof that it’s not the amount of time we have together, but the relationship we share that matters.
Our animals can’t even talk to us, but we love them so much we always want to remember them. One way to do that is to get a tattoo. These 75 cat tattoos — also known as “cattoos” — are true masterpieces. Some are tributes to cats we loved. Others are just to show appreciation for felines.
1. When your cat’s always on your mind
Tattoos can be beautiful and minimalist at the same time. This one’s an adorable tribute to a cute cat, placed discreetly behind one ear.
Source:
Instagram/coachkcrawford
2. It’s an artistic sleepy kitty
This one’s so artistically done that at first, it looks more like a pretty loop. But when you look a little closer, you realize the loop has ears, eyes, and a curly tail.
Source:
Instagram/lazerliz
3. Snuggling kitties are yin and yang
The yin yang design is a popular choice for tattoos, but most of them don’t look like this. Something tells me this lady owns a couple of cats who love to snuggle.
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Facebook/Christine Lepine
4. The model and the result
Pictures of you never turn out the way you expect. I think this cat’s experiencing tattoo regret — except that he’s the subject, not the one with the tattoo.
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Instagram/ozlemycl
5. Cat or punctuation?
If you glance at this tattoo, you might wonder why on earth this woman has punctuation marks on her arm. But look a little longer and you’ll realize the semicolon has cat ears.
Source:
Facebook/Shelli_Stanley
6. It’s true, though
Okay, well, it’s not true for every girl — some of them do like boys. But pretty much every girl likes cats and money. Remember that when you’re wondering what to get us for Christmas.
Source:
Instagram/sashimi_roll_tattooing
7. Time for some photorealistic cats
Some cat tattoos are so artistic and abstract you don’t even recognize them at first. This one goes the opposite way — it’s so realistic that it almost looks like a photo.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
8. His people need him
Who said tattoos of cats have to be realistic? This cat has a long journey ahead of him — assuming he can fit into that tiny little spaceship, of course.
Source:
Instagram/violeta.arus
9. It’s straight out of a coloring book
Adult coloring books have become more and more popular in recent years. This tattoo looks like an illustration straight out of one of them. Now, where are my colored pencils?
Source:
Instagram/marielleroyseth
10. A fisherman in every sense of the word
This tattoo has a couple of layers to it, and frankly, it’s adorable. It looks like those old-fashioned pictures of fishermen. A cat, of course, is a different kind of fisher.
Source:
Instagram/_winkt
11. Whoever said cats can’t skateboard?
Some cat tattoos show cats doing, well, cat things — eating, playing, sleeping, and cleaning themselves. Others go a slightly different direction, like this skater cat.
Source:
Instagram/tattooist_doy
12. Here’s a curious boy
Here’s another kitten who looks uber-realistic. The tattoo artist has perfectly nailed that expression of bright-eyed, alert-eared curiosity. He must’ve seen a bird outside the window.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
13. Looking like the looking glass
This colorful cat tattoo isn’t intended to be a tribute to Alice in Wonderland, but there’s something familiar about that mirror frame with the colorful swirls. At least the cat isn’t wearing a big grin.
Source:
Instagram/nikita_tattoo
14. An adorably minimalist kitty
Some cat tattoos are complex and detailed, with every strand of fur visible. This one is much simpler, but still striking in its own way. All we get is a glimpse of eyes, ears, nose, and whiskers.
Source:
Instagram/Impulseinktattoo
15. Everything’s coming up roses
This beautiful cat tattoo is done with a colorful patch of roses against a black background. Maybe it’s a tribute to a cat who loved to play in the garden’s flower bushes.
Source:
Instagram/ancientartlewes
16. Eyes on the prize
This clever tattoo has two parts to it. The first is the cat glancing slyly upward in search of its prey. It might take you a moment to notice where it is — on her shoulder.
Source:
Instagram/jjbzttt
17. I’m watching you
This one’s striking but unmistakable the face of a cat. Interestingly, it’s also a cat with heterochromia — two different-colored eyes. The result is absolutely beautiful.
Source:
Instagram/tattooist_doy
18. These are festive
These two cats are adorable, but not just because they’re rendered in exquisite detail. They also have some lovely foliage. One has a wreath and the other a leafy collar.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
19. Simple but adorable
Some cat tattoos are elaborate, while others are simple. This one might be on the simpler side, but its detail and precision coloring makes you wonder if it’s modeled off of someone’s real furry friend.
Source:
Instagram/demiadventure
20. Always land on your feet
Cats have amazingly flexible spinal cords that allow them to twist in midair. That way, they always land on their feet. This tattoo captures the process in exquisite detail.
Source:
Instagram/luc1dl1ndz
21. Something tells me these were drawn from life
These two cats not only look like best buds, but modeled from someone’s real pets. It must be so sweet to have your best animal friends memorialized in such a beautiful way.
Source:
Instagram/tattooist_doy
22. Dream big, little cat
Everybody has dreams, and this tattoo shows that. But it also communicates how every cat thinks of itself. Maybe that’s a confidence we should all try to emulate.
Source:
Instagram/radtattoos
23. Getting their snuggle on
These happy cats look as cozy as can be, snuggled up together. Apparently, neither of them wanted to be the big spoon or the little spoon. They were happy being face-to-face.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
24. What a colorful little cutie
Just like in nature, cat tattoos come in all patterns, designs, and color schemes. But I don’t think you’ll ever see a cat covered in a floral pattern like this one.
Source:
Instagram/hstattoo_css
25. A sneaky black cat
Black cats are popularly described as being sneaky and mischievous. Whether or not that’s true, this one looks like he’s fulfilling the stereotype by hiding out behind this lady’s ear.
Source:
Flckr/Gordon
26. A cat made of diamonds
Real cats aren’t made of diamonds, but they probably think they are. This one has a beautiful bejeweled face, which would be the envy of cats everywhere.
Source:
Reddit/chelseapiece
27. In memory of late beloved kitties
This sleepy kitty was tattooed to honor the late and beloved cats of one owner. While they occupy our lives for only a short amount of time, they’re certainly never forgotten.
Source:
Reddit/Baxtelf
28. This cat could be made of stained glass
This beautiful cat is sitting tall and proud in tattoo form. The beautiful designs on its fur almost make it look like a panel of stained glass. All it needs is a little color.
Source:
Facebook/Eric Rhodes
29. High paw
Have you ever had two pets that were partners in crime? These two seem like they’re best buds, trading a high five in tattoo form. Who knows what kind of shenanigans they’ll get involved with?
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Facebook/Kaitlin Stiltner
30. Peekaboo
This adorable tribute is super subtle yet it’s bound to make you smile. Instead of an entire portrait, this person decided to get only a nose and some whiskers — as though the cat’s peeking out from under a table.
Source:
Facebook/Amanda Duncan
31. How purr-fectly elegant
This cat tattoo is drawn with faint lines in a minimalist style, but the result is gorgeous. There’s no doubt this is one elegant cat who knows just how pretty it is.
Source:
Instagram/simonandstellacats
32. It’s an abstract cat
You’ll see cat tattoos in every size, shape, and artistic style, even abstract. This one manages to get the perfect arch of the feline’s back even with just a few looped lines.
Source:
Instagram/bloodykravitz
33. Never forget Snoopy
This beautifully elegant tattoo was made in memory of the owner’s beloved cat Snoopy. She’ll never forget him, but now the world won’t, either.
Source:
Imgur/catshavesharppartsbutilovethem
34. What a handsome fellow
Drawing cats can be difficult because they have such an enormous and fluid range of motion. But this one shows the kitty sitting quietly, his head bowed as though he’s deep in thought.
Source:
Flckr/MAGMA TATTOO
35. Playing with the butterflies
Cats are great hunters, and as such, they love to play with anything that scurries or flies. But sometimes, they’re just happy to play with small insects flying by.
Source:
Flckr/Sabrina Ricci
36. Pusheen the limits of tattoos
By now, Pusheen the cat has become a beloved character around the world. So. it’s no surprise it eventually became a tattoo. And how adorable is it?
Source:
Instagram/nathanjhunt
37. My heart is with my cat
The amount of love we have for our cats — and the love they have for us — is truly inexplicable. It makes perfect sense to have a cat tattoo that’s marked with a big heart.
Source:
Facebook/Nicole Marie Lopez
38. We love you, Dexter
This tattoo was made in memory of Dexter the cat. Although he didn’t have a long life, passing away at only 3 years old, he was treasured by his owners. Now, they’ll always remember the time they had with him.
Source:
Reddit/frogsyjane
39. The model next to her work
This cat’s so loved that her owner got an image of her tattooed on her arm. Unfortunately, she doesn’t look all too impressed with the work. Isn’t that just like a cat?
Source:
Reddit/dumbo_09
40. A simple but beautiful tribute
This tattoo is so simple yet stunning in its simplicity. It consists of just a couple of lines, but there’s no mistaking what it is. It’s amazing what a great tattoo artist can do.
Source:
Facebook/Stephanie van Maarschalkerweerd
41. What a happy little cat
This cat’s absolutely adorable, from his big smile to his long curly tail. It almost looks as though he’s bending down to give someone a soft cuddle.
Source:
Flckr/Sabrina Ricci
42. The perfect way to remember a friend
After their kitten tragically passed away, this cat lover decided to have his picture tattooed on their chest. They kept it simple and asked the artist to use a Japanese brushwork art style.
Source:
Reddit/Pretorian435
43. Here, kitty, kitty, kitty
This cute little kitty is done in a minimalistic style, but has some pretty adorable details. I especially like the puffs of fur around the face — perfect for a chin scratch.
Source:
Reddit/spy_sappin_mah_sentr
44. When your cat makes those crazy eyes
We’ve all seen that moment where a cat’s pupils dilate and they go from resting to bouncing off the walls. This tattoo perfectly captures that wide-eyed stare they give right before breaking loose.
Source:
Imgur
45. Hand-drawn and perfect
What better way to memorialize a beloved cat than to design a tattoo yourself? This woman’s husband drew the tattoo, making it extra special to both of them.
Source:
Facebook/Monica L. Amick-Cassidy
46. True love
Like many cat tattoos, this one was made in honor of two real cats. In this case, their names were Alvin and Alice. Judging by the tattoo, they loved to snuggle.
Source:
Facebook/Dalia Martinez Bartels
47. Always looking ahead
This cat looks pretty darn regal for a tattoo on someone’s lower leg. Something tells me he thought pretty highly of himself. Well, of course he did — he’s a cat.
Source:
Flckr/Sabrina.E
48. Matching cats for best friends
When two best friends decided to get matching tattoos, they knew the perfect subject: cute cats, of course. After all, nothing brings friends together like a shared love of animals.
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Facebook/Briana Spencer
49. One of many tattoos
Tattoos usually have a strong personal meaning for the people who get them. We’ll never know exactly what all these other symbols mean, but we do know this person loves his cat.
Source:
Facebook/Dave Faulkner
50. “Cattoos” can be simple
Cat tattoos can be complex, minimalistic, simple — and even ultra-simple, as this one shows. It’s just a sketch and the word “MEOW,” but it’s still unique and eye-catching.
Source:
Instagram/jaymeow
51. Quite a fuzzy guy
This little guy looks like half cat, half alien, but there’s still something charming about him. But I want to know why he doesn’t have any legs.
Source:
Flckr/Sam Walker
52. Cat or alien?
This cat also has the alien eye-look going on, but he’s unmistakably a cat. The best part about this tattoo is the detail of his tiny little toes. How cute is that?
Source:
Facebook/Stephanie Mickaus Hurst
53. Two playful kittens
These two cats have been captured in action in the middle of their game. And like every good cat, they have a ball of yarn — but the cat looks more interested in his pal’s tail.
Source:
Flckr/Sabrina Ricci
54. Doing what a cat does best
If there is one thing cats are known for, it’s sleeping. In fact, they can sleep up to 16 hours a day. It’s logical to show a cat doing just that — in tattoo form.
Source:
Instagram/melgracietattoo
55. Do you want a pyramid of cats?
Sure, you can have a tattoo of just one cat. Or you can have a tattoo of two cats stacked on top of one another. Then throw in the word “Meow” for good measure.
Source:
Instagram/tattooist_banul
56. Well, we sent dogs to space
Humankind was sending dogs and monkeys to space decades ago. Now, it’s time for cats to have a go, too — at least in tattoo form. What cat wouldn’t love that?
Source:
Instagram/dragonartnyc
57. Why’s this so cute?
This cat tattoo is simple in the extreme, with blunt lines and only a couple of features. But somehow, the lack of detail makes it even more adorable.
Source:
Instagram/louiseflowerbloom
58. Is this a date?
These cool cats look like they’re on an awkward blind date. They’re not touching or making eye contact. One of them is about to get an emergency text so they can bail out of there.
Source:
Instagram/tattoodo
59. Forget regular ink — this one’s watercolor
You’ll find tattoos in every style, shape, and color — tattoos in black and white, and tattoos in every color of the rainbow. This elegant cat evokes the look of a watercolor painting.
Source:
Instagram/secret.khaleesi
60. Cat or moon — why not both?
With their grace and flexibility, it’s easy to compare cats to all kinds of other shapes. Their sleepy stretches can even make them look like the crescent moon in the night sky.
Source:
Instagram.acee.tattoos
61. Soft kitty, warm kitty
This sweet kitty looks so comfortable, curled up in a tight ball for a snooze. It’s amazing how cats can look so sleek and elegant even when they’re in a dead sleep.
Source:
Instagram/vedinxtattoo
62. A kitty in another style
Believe it or not, this gorgeous cat was drawn as one single line. It must’ve taken the tattoo artist an enormous amount of talent and concentration to create such a beautiful image.
Source:
Instagram/moganji
63. A perfectly floral kitty
Talk about a striking tattoo. This cat serves as the background to a big bouquet of flowers. With a tattoo this eye-catching and creative, you’re bound to have a lot of people comment on it.
Source:
Instagram/jenellengarden
64. I can’t decide which one is cuter
Big tattoos can be made to include hundreds of tiny details that require hours of work. But these tiny tattoos are gorgeous in their own right. In fact, I can’t stop staring.
Source:
Instagram/ldptattoostudio
65. This almost looks like a photo
This beautiful cat is perfect right on the person’s back. It seems like the two of them are looking forward at the same time. Maybe they’re even hand-in-paw.
Source:
Instagram/fann_ink
66. A perfect match
Here, we get to see a side-by-side comparison of the tattoo and the original. It’s an artistic interpretation, but those colors are spot on. It’s a beautiful cat and a beautiful tattoo.
Source:
Instagram/sashaunisex
67. Tiny cat, big heart
This simple little tattoo is a perfect description of the love between a cat and its owner. They’re little animals, but they hold an enormous part of our heart.
Source:
Instagram/cesar_traicat.tattoo
68. A feast fit for a cat
Sometimes, “cattoos” are just the cat itself. But it can become even more fun when the artist adds a scene. This one appears to be wreaking havoc on a tabletop.
Source:
Instagram/kellikikicio
69. Cat or sushi?
This cat looks pretty happy, all rolled into some delicious negiri. Maybe it thinks that hiding in the sushi is the best way to get its paws on fresh fish.
Source:
Instagram/sashimi_roll_tattooing
70. Who knew cats and geometry go together?
This breathtakingly complex cat tattoo might look familiar if you remember your high school geometry classes. It’s a subtle nod to the natural grace and beautiful you’ll find in the feline form.
Source:
Instagram/war_ink
71. This looks like a valentine
Some people love their cats enough to give them valentines. Of course, if they sent valentines back, they’d all have pictures of themselves. Don’t they deserve to be framed?
Source:
Instagram/sashimi_roll_tattooing
72. Yep, that’s a cat in a banana
I don’t understand why there’s a blue cat inside a banana, and I don’t know if the artist did either. But at least we can all agree it’s pretty darn adorable.
Source:
Instagram/sashimi_roll_tattooing
73. What a beautiful cat
This tattoo is so skillful and detailed that it almost looks like a photo. As if the cat wasn’t pretty enough, the artist also has it surrounded by pink flowers.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
74. It’s a kitty in a wreath
This cat tattoo is subtle enough with some simple black lines. But it stands out in the middle of a colorful wreath of green leaves and pink flowers. And every cat should stand out.
Source:
Instagram/sashimi_roll_tattooing
75. Peekaboo, I see you
This gorgeously fluffy cat’s drawn down to each individual strand of fur. You can see the variations in color on its voluminous tail. It takes talent to make a kitty this gorgeous.
Source:
Instagram/soltattoo
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