{"id":6217,"date":"2021-02-03T03:45:11","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=6217"},"modified":"2024-02-20T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-02-20T00:00:00","slug":"black-cat-tattoo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/black-cat-tattoo\/","title":{"rendered":"50+ Best Black Cat Tattoo Design Ideas (Meaning and Inspirations)"},"content":{"rendered":"

It can be difficult to choose the perfect feline design since there are so many possibilities. The feline, or cats, are generally very popular tattoo design choices mostly because of the versatile meaning and ability to adjust according to one’s personality and nature.<\/p>\n

But, if you really can’t decide which feline design to go for, we recommend you go for a black cat. Chances are you’re already made up your decision and want to know more about the meaning and symbolism of a black cat tattoo. Either way, in the following paragraphs we’ll take a look at the meaning of black cat tattoos, and look at some design ideas that can be completely personalized to your liking.<\/p>\n

So, without further ado, let’s get started!<\/p>\n

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Saved Tattoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Black Cat Symbolism<\/h2>\n

When it comes to black cats, we can say that almost everywhere in the world they’re associated with superstition, bad luck, and generally occultist origins and symbolism<\/a>. It is considered bad luck if a black cat crosses the street in front of you in Europe, for example. Not to mention that black cats are also associated with things of mystery and the unknown, witchcraft, and mystical things.<\/p>\n

So, as we can see, our black feline friends haven’t had so much luck in the way humans perceive them. It is believed that black cats, because of superstition, are the least adopted cats, for example.<\/p>\n

However, as the years go by, people are becoming less superstitious and more open to black cats. They still carry the symbolism of mystery, spirituality, or represent something mystical and secretive. But now, such meaning has a more positive connotation rather than negative.<\/p>\n

One way in which people are more open to black cats is through black cat tattoos. These have become rather famous in the past few years, as an increasing number of people are getting black cat tattoos, or incorporate the black cats into a tattoo design.<\/p>\n

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Saved Tattoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Popular Black Cat Associations (And Use In Tattoo Designs)<\/h3>\n

Historically, black cats haven’t only been associated with witchcraft and occultism, but also with anarchism. The main anarchist symbol is a black cat appearing in an alert, fighting stance. This is because ever since the 1880s the color black was associated with anarchism.<\/p>\n

This black cat symbol is often known as the\u00a0‘sab cat’ or ‘sabo tabby’ and is associated with anarcho-syndicalism (a branch of anarchism focused on labor organizing). In this context, the black cat was used as the idea of sabotage, or the ability to frighten the employer by using sabotage of a black cat as the bringer of bad luck.<\/p>\n

The sab cat is known to be used as a tattoo design even nowadays. It usually carries the same contextual meaning, but many people get an alert black cat tattoo even without knowing what it stands for.<\/p>\n

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On the other hand, black cats are also associated with the Space Shuttle program interestingly. During the naming of missions, the Space Shuttle program worked to avoid superstitious names, like the STS-13.<\/p>\n

The crew for STS-41C (which was supposed to be STS-13) made a little joke and decided to use the number 13 and a black cat as a mission patch. The mission was a complete success, and its crew even landed on Friday the 13th.<\/p>\n

The patch design is known to be used as a design for some tattoos. It is usually a design choice of people knowledgeable of this story, and who are willing to depart from the superstitious nature of black cats or the number 13.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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50+ Best Black Cat Tattoo Design Ideas<\/h2>\n

Black cat tattoos can be extremely interesting. They can be featured alone in the tattoo, often sitting, or walking with the tail up. Often, however, the black cats are accompanied by some other symbolic items, like a full moon, a tree or a bird, stars, a nighttime setting, a Halloween-inspired setting, witch-like hats, etc. Here are some other design features when it comes to black cat tattoos;<\/p>\n

Arched Back or Walking Black Cat<\/h3>\n

Black cats in some tattoos can be often seen in a seating position, but when standing, the cat’s back is often arched, the tail is raised and it usually appears to be walking. This position usually indicates fear or foreboding. The hair or the fur is also raised, and the tail takes a weird shape to even further the image of fear.<\/p>\n

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\"Black
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\"Black
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The Full Moon Black Cat<\/h3>\n

The cat can be accompanied by a full moon, to evoke a more occultist and ominous imagery. Some black cat tattoos feature a tree or a branch and a cat sitting on the branch. There can also be an indication of birds or bats, in a generally nighttime setting.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Black Cat Face Close Up<\/h3>\n

Some black cat tattoos feature a close up of a cat’s face where the eyes are emphasized or even cartoonish. The eyes are often colored, and generally in such tattoos, represent the centerpiece, since they can be incredibly striking.<\/p>\n

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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Cartoon Black Cat<\/h3>\n

Black cat tattoos are often based on black cat depiction certain (anime) cartoons; for example, one of the most famous cartoon black cats is the one from Sailor Moon named Luna.<\/p>\n

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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Flower Black Cat<\/h3>\n

Some black cat tattoos feature flowers, most often with emphasized thorns, leaves, and petals. The floral patterns make the tattoo design more feminine and emphasize the innocence of the cat rather than its superstitious and ominous symbolism.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Black Cat Silhouette<\/h3>\n

Some tattoos can feature a simple black cat silhouette, just to evoke the imagery of a black cat without the detailing. The silhouette still stands as a strong symbol, despite the lack of detailing, or color. There can, however, be a lot of shading to emphasize the cat silhouette and mysteriousness.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Black Cat Linework<\/h3>\n

There are black cat tattoo designs that only feature linework and detailing, without shading and filling in of the tattoo. In such tattoos, the focus is more on the meaning and what the cat represents.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Egyptian Black Cat<\/h3>\n

Some famous black cat tattoos evoke the Egyptian cat symbolism. In ancient Egypt, cats had a semi-god status, and they were worshipped for their ability to get rid of mice and similar vermin. Cats in such tattoos are often in a position of power, with a lot of jewelry and heavy collars. These are probably the most detailed black cat tattoos since the goal is for the cats to look as close to the Egyptian cats as possible.<\/p>\n

\"Black
Image Source: Pinterest<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Black
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\"Black
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Realistic Black Cat<\/h3>\n

A realistic black cat tattoo is also an interesting and popular design. The tattoo showcases the cat as realistically as possible, with a lot of detailing and emphasis on the fur and the eyes. These tattoos can be smaller or bigger, but either way, require a professional hand and labor-intense work.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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A Black Cat Pet Tattoo<\/h3>\n

And, of course, some black cat tattoos are a way for an owner of a black cat to honor their beloved pet, so these tattoos are rather personalized and unique. The owner can choose a design that represents their relationship with the cat. Some owners go for a design where the cat, for example, plays with a favorite toy, or a design where the cat’s majestic black fur is emphasized.<\/p>\n

\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Unique Black Cat Tattoos<\/h3>\n

Some people like to get black cat tattoos which are unique. The imagery can vary from one design to the other, but one thing is sure; these tattoos have never been seen before. They’re either so intricate that they seem alive, or they’re rather simple but still, the design is incredibly effective. If you want to depart from the traditional black cat design, then we recommend you draw some inspiration from the following tattoos.<\/p>\n

\"Black
Image Source: Instagram<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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\"Black
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Black Cat Tattoos: FAQs<\/h2>\n

Will I have bad luck if I get a black cat tattoo?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Well, if you’re superstitious, you probably already believe that black cats bring bad luck, so it wouldn’t be a good idea to get such a tattoo in the first place.<\/p>\n

But, if you think about it rationally, black cats are just cats with black or darker fur. These are lovely little feline friends of ours which can be pretty magnificent and beautiful.<\/p>\n

We don’t think you will have bad luck if you have a black cat tattoo. But, if you do choose to believe in some ancient, anecdotal beliefs, then you can consider a black cat as a bringer of good luck, as it is a practice in some cultures.<\/p>\n

Also Read:<\/p>\n