Cat Tattoos for Men
Are you considering getting a tattoo in the near future? It goes without saying that you need to think before you get that ink, otherwise you’ll be left with something you’ll regret, even hate. When picking one, a man must carefully consider the right design. Most guys opt for tribal, skull or cross tattoos, some choose animals such as eagles, lions, tigers and sharks. But what about cats? While cat tattoos are considered feminine, there are lots of ways to macho one up enough for a guy. This article shares a couple of cat tattoos for men that you can consider.
The Story and Meaning of a Cat
First and foremost, you need to understand the perceptions and meanings associated to the cat. Cats have been a symbols throughout history. You may have noticed them in ancient Egypt history. Egyptians then called them 'mau' and held them in the highest esteem.
Injuring or killing a cat would result in severe punishments including death. Ancient Egyptians worshipped Bastet, who was often represented as half woman and half feline. She was the goddess of warfare. Egyptians also associated the cat with Isis, the goddess of protection, fertility and motherhood. Cats were frequently portrayed in Egyptian art; they were even mummified. In ancient Greek, cats were related to cunning, cleanliness, lust and deviousness.
Today, a cat symbolizes luck and prosperity, mystery and secrets, protection, Intelligence and Intuition, Attentiveness, and so much more. In some societies it is a symbol of revolution.
Here are a few ideas for cat tattoos for men:
A Cat Skull Tattoo
The cat is given a strong link to the afterlife. Cat Skull Tattoos symbolize an understanding and acceptance of the inevitable end of life. It is a sign of one’s bravery, showing that there is no fear to face one’s immortality.
A Cat eye Tattoo
The eye is the window of the soul. You can see one’s intellect and will through their eyes. A cat’s eye is a symbol of intellect and wisdom. It is also a passage to the divine, as it is believed to be a mystic object that brings those with it closer to elements of the afterlife. Cat eye tattoos also symbolize the ability to see things and people for more than what or who they are. It means you can look at a situation and action as an opportunity to something greater.
Black Cat Tattoo
Not many people choose this tattoo because of the superstition that black cats bring bad luck. Ancient Egyptians held the black cat in the highest regard. However the “bad-luck” superstition arose in the middle ages when there was a lot of religious persecution. Religious believers confused pagan practices with devil worshipping. Today, there are those who do not see the black cat as the devil’s advocate. It can be symbol of mystery, Independence and protection.
Minimalist Cat Tattoo
Minimalist tattoos are quite trendy today. They are simple and elegant yet capable of communicating powerful things. If you’re looking for a design that is not too intricate with detail, then a minimalist cat tattoo could work for you.
Yin and Yang Cat Tattoos
This tattoo blends the popular yin and yang symbol with a black cat and a white cat. The symbol represents how there is as much good in the world as there is bad. We all have a good and bad side to us, and it is the balance of the two that makes us who we are. The Yin and Yan Cat tattoo would appeal to those who have a sense of confidence, self-awareness and understanding.
Check out the best cat tattoos for men
A Siamese cat tattoo - two faces yet only two ears and three eyes. The tattoo is dynamic using a bold yellows and oranges for they eyes. Tattoo ideas for men like this is great for those who want something out of the ordinary.
An example of a cat tattoos for men, this tattoo is abstract and makes you look twice to see what is going on. The cat face at the top is almost evil, and there is a bloodied shrunken head imbedded in its body.
One of the cat tattoo ideas for the classy, this black and white shaded tattoo depicts a cat with a very impressive moustache looking back at you as if it is judging you. The long, winding tail is the main feature
This tattoo incorporates a studious cat wearing glasses with some cursive text underneath. It just shows the face of the cat, and the big eyes and ears is the focus. Incorporating blacks, whites and greys.
A cat tattoo for the hand calls for something different that demands attention. This tattoo design shows a cat face which almost looks more like a fox, with no less than 5 eyes in a pyramid sequence.
A serious cat with a bow tie, top hat and a monocle. This tattoo is designed as if it is a portrait, with a frame, background and flower at the base. The cat itself is very realistic and the eyes seem to follow you.
A super realistic tattoo showing a cat with a red collar and bell looking up curiously, like cats do. It has a friendly kitten-like face and the tattoo shows only the face and the top of the neck.
This tattoo is an action shot of a cat ready to strike. The eyes are mesmerizing and striking - the only color in the whole tattoo. There is a skull coming out of the top of its head which matches the feel of the whole tattoo.
This is a good cat tattoos idea for those who love cartoon cats. It shows a cat wearing sunglasses which have a cityscape reflection. The cat is black and white, and shows just the face and the top of the neck, with a cartoon flower underneath.
At first glance it seems like this tattoo is merely a smudge, but it is actually a shadowed image of a cat with its back to us and its tail curled around. Using only blacks and whites with no bold edges.
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A clever cat tattoo of ying and yang -two cats cradling each other with a black cat as ying and a black cat as yang. It is a very symmetrical tattoo with both cats having a similar shape and expression.
This is a tattoo of one of those cats with interesting fur patterns on the face. It shows just the face, and the eyes are particularly striking using different yellows. Very lifelike and realistic, there is even a little tongue poking out.
A cat tattoo design that is perfect for Halloween, red and black are the only colors. It is an image of an angry cat with its back arched and hair raised. Done cartoon style, the eyes are an evil yellow.
One of the best known and loved cats is the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland, and this cat tattoo is very similar with the cheeky eyes and wide mouth, sitting on a tree branch. Uses smokey browns and greys.
A tattoo for lovers of roses and cats, this is a cat face coming out of a rose - the petals being part of the cats neck. The cat is cartooned and looks surprised, complete with raised eyebrows and a big smile.
A tattoo of a cat and a crescent moon. The cat has 4 eyes and seems to be somewhat of an alien. The ears and mouth are quite realistic, it’s just the eyes that make it stand out.
A cat tattoo that looks sketched - it’s a large cat face made entirely of lines and shadows. There is a childlike drawing of a crown floating above the cat’s face, and the cat itself has 3 eyes and a large mouth.
A tattoo of a fluffy cat that looks quite realistic until you realize that it has 3 eyes. The fur has been shaded to provide texture and is made up of greys and oranges. It just sits and stares at you.
A truly spooky Halloween-themed cat tattoo. The cat is poking its face out of an evil looking jack-o-lantern, and the cat itself is dressed as a mummy with bandages hanging off. The cat has overly large green eyes and is spitting blood.
A perfect tattoo idea for men who want to honor or remember a beloved pet. This small, delicate cat tattoo is small and realistic with facial markings that match the actual live cat. Shows just the face with ears and whiskers.
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One of the coolest cat tattoos for guys who love writing - it is both a cat and a semi-colon. The only way that you can see that it is a cat is that the full stop part has ears, and the comma perfectly resembles a tail.
A simple yet striking cat tattoo of a fat cat with its back to us, looking back. Only sections of the outline are drawn, and the expression of the cat is serious. It is effective in its simplicity.
This cat tattoo is drawn with a single stroke (plus a dot for the eye). Almost looks like it could have been drawn with a permanent market. Shows a sideways view of a cat walking happily with its tail in the air.
A cat tattoo idea for men who are artistic. The cat has no facial features, rather it looks like the face and body were colored in using wild paint strokes. Made up of straight lines within the outline of a curious cat.
A satirical tattoo of a fat cat with a tiny face. Most of the tattoo is made up of the body and the only detail is its short tail, its back and cute cartoon face. Looks like a cat from a children’s book.
One of the cat tattoo ideas with simplicity in mind. This tattoo has a classic black design with an all most outline like form. Simple clean lines make this tattoo the cleanest and simplest choice without being over the top or dramatic.
Clean lines, shading, and an ancient Egyptian feel give this tattoo a since of personality all on its own. The cat tattoo design appears dark and simple until you take in the textures and abstract art that form the face.
This tattoo says simplicity at its best. A simple but masculine outline that is clearly and easily recognizable even from a distance. This cat tattoo idea has everything to show it’s a cat without going over the top or over exaugurated details.
A cat tattoo for guys that is a cross between realistic and cartoon like. The dark colors and shading add to this tattoos shape and ability to bring a clear vision of a big curled up cat lying around in a ball.
Interesting take on a cat with a modern and tribal vibe. Creativity and an eye for art are surely responsible for this unique piece of work. With a simple yet creative and out of the box design, this tattoo is a step outside of the box.
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Realistic cat tattoo has stunning cat eyes that add a big pop of color to an otherwise black and white feline. Sharp black lines and just the right amount of shading give this tattoo a lifelike appearance and appeal.
Of the cat tattoo for men options, this tattoo comes in as one of the most unique and meaningful. Layering a simple cat outline in with eye catching solid tattoos gives it a more original appearance and thoughtful simplicity with an overall clean look.
This chubby feline friend gets a whole new look in the playful cartoon drawing. The simplicity and humor can clearly be seen in this tattoo; all while still having clean lines and a clean presentation with minimal detail and loads of personality.
A life like cat face gets and out of this world twist in this tattoo with a galaxy full of personality and style. The top is embellished with a galactic space background, while the bottom is sporting a chain fit for royalty.
As far as cat tattoos for guys go, this one is definitely on the imaginative style. Featuring a scenic spooky background and layered in hues of blue and purple; this is one of the most colorful tattoo ideas for men.
Of all the cat tattoos, this one has a personality like no other. Sporting a well-designed cat with several add on elements, including some pretty awesome glasses, this tattoo is a combination of humor, color, and personality combined to create one great tattoo.
Of the many tattoos ideas, this one is so bright and vibrant you won’t believe it is a tattoo. From the hat to the pipe, this tattoo is a visual work of art that screams color and evokes curiosity.
This cat tattoos idea is sporting a coat of armor, complete with sword and shield. The classic black and white shading is brought to life with a vibrant red rose to give a big pop of color and extenuate the overall piece.
This cute and quirky cat gets a masculine feel with deep colors, popping eyes and a well highlighted mane. The simple addition of a ribbon and jingling bell pulls it together for a completed piece that is ready to stand alone
This abstract piece may look a little harder to dissect; but it is made up of quality artwork and colors fit for a gallery wall. The uninterrupted flow as the color and details move through each section makes this tattoo a true piece of art.
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As far as tattoos ideas go, this one in particular is the definition of clean lines, with a classic meets modern henna design. The henna technique clearly highlights all of the feline features without any of the typical fillers being used.
Here's a tattoos idea that gives of a unique and fairytale like vibe. It features bright pops of color in the book, bow, leaves, and eye glass; all strategically placed against the mostly grey cat for an overall eye catching piece of work.
This creepy yet classic cat is a small statement tattoo straight out of a creepy novel. It has a pure black design with eye catching orange cat eyes, just enough color to catch your attention without taking away from the overall dark and creepy appearance.
This conversation piece is a puzzle for the eyes with enough details to keep you looking and guessing with amazement. The simplicity of the black and white piece is made even more dramatic with textural differences and layering everywhere you look.
A cicadellid take on a cat tattoo gives a whole new perspective to a normally cute and fuzzy creature. Layers of heavy color and shapes are strategically placed to form a cat head and give it one of the most unique takes on a cat tattoo.
This hairless cat has been completely transformed in this watercolor tattoo. Perfectly aligned black details are all splashed with just the right splashes of vibrant color to add personality and artistic flair to form a well-balanced and unique hairless cat tattoo.
This striking tattoo is a puzzle for the eyes as you are drawn in to the visual effect of the lines and ombre colors. The simple design is given a new perspective with black meets colorful paths of visual effects.
This large piece is packed full of detail, from the wrinkles on the cat to the jewels he is draped in. Made with a classic grey scale and pops of gold embellishments’ this piece is anything but lacking in details and technique.
A simple statement piece with a clear story line; this tattoo has just enough detail to get its story across without going overboard with any extras. The fine details that finish of the faces are eye catching and glowing, even in black and white form.
The Cheshire cat gets his recreation in this tattoo with neon highlights and bright traditional cat eyes. The texture and colors that bring this cat to life are a visual masterpiece; every piece of fur can clearly be seen in this exceptional tattoo.