Cats have long been associated with mythology, spirituality, and symbolism across different cultures. Here’s a closer look at the meanings commonly attributed to cat tattoos:
- Independence and Freedom
Cats are known for their independent nature. A tattoo of a cat can symbolize personal freedom, self-reliance, and the ability to thrive on your own terms. - Mystery and Intuition
Cats often represent mystery and the unseen. Many cultures view them as creatures connected to the spiritual realm, making cat tattoos a popular choice for those who value intuition, inner wisdom, and mysticism.
Cats and tattoos have always been popular on their own, but the recent trend of combining the two has led to the rise of the ‘cattoo’. Betty Rose, a tattoo artist from Brooklyn, has noticed a significant increase in the demand for her cat-themed tattoos. While wild cats like panthers and tigers have always been popular designs, people are now taking it a step further by getting tattoos of their beloved domestic cats. Betty explains, “There have always been cat enthusiasts, but now we’re seeing a growing interest in tattoos featuring our furry feline friends.”
Meow: The trend of getting cat tattoos, also known as ‘cattoos’, is increasing, and Betty Rose, a tattoo artist based in New York, is becoming well-known for her beautiful and captivating designs (as shown in the picture).
Cat-tastic news! According to Ms. Rose, there has been a noticeable increase in customers requesting domestic cat tattoos, as opposed to the more traditional wild cat designs. She mentions that she receives a diverse range of requests from both men and women, with many of them being in remembrance of beloved cats who have passed away. However, she has also noticed a rising trend of people wanting tattoos to honor their current feline companions.
Ms. Rose has even had the opportunity to create tattoos of famous internet cats, adding a quirky and playful touch to her portfolio. In a recent interview for The Sidekick Series, she mentioned that each cat tattoo holds a special place in her heart. Some are deeply meaningful, while others are just for fun.
For Ms. Rose, the beauty of tattooing lies in the fact that a tattoo doesn’t always have to carry a heavy or serious significance. Sometimes, simply looking at a fun and lighthearted tattoo can bring joy and comfort.
Living the smug life: As per Ms Rose, some of her feline paintings are deeply meaningful, while others are more whimsical, like this cattoo (shown) featuring the famous Internet sensation ‘Grumpy Cat’.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see,” Ms. Rose shared, describing the emotional connection she feels when looking at her cat tattoos. Her first cattoo, a sweet kitten in a teacup, was inked on her husband’s leg.
Ms. Rose’s deep bond with cats began during her challenging teenage years, as shared on her website. Her cat, Patches, was there for her during difficult times of adolescence, struggles with substance abuse, heartbreaks, and pivotal moments in her tattooing career.
When Patches passed away, Ms. Rose honored her with a large tattoo on her arm. The experience was emotional, as she tearfully remembered the beloved feline who had been a constant source of support and companionship throughout her journey.
