Ever wondered about that waving cat you see at your local eatery?

It's time to find out what's up with that. Meet the Maneki Neko Cat, a common sight in Chinese and Japanese businesses, and learn what makes it more than just a cute decoration.

We're diving into the world of these charming cats to find out what they're all about.

We'll look at why they come in so many different colors and what these colors mean. You'll learn why these cats sit back and wave - and how your very own Maneki Neko can tell you about your luck.

Is it from China or Japan? Why does it sometimes hold a gold coin? And where should you put it in your home for the best of luck?

We're going to answer all these questions and more. But watch out, once you find out all about them, you might want to start your own collection of these cute lucky cats.

So, whether you've seen these cats before or this is your first time, get ready to learn all about the history, legends, and modern versions of the Maneki Neko Cat.

Join us on this fun journey through this interesting part of Asian culture. Your good luck is just around the corner!

Understanding The Maneki Neko Cat: More Than A Lucky Charm

A Maneki Neko cat is a figure of a cat, sitting back on its haunches with one or both paws raised in a wave.

Owners often choose several colors depending on their preference, but most commonly opt for a calico Japanese bobtail. Many believe this brings good luck to the business and its owner.

Shop and restaurant owners typically display them on counters or in windows. However, people also believe placing them in a bedroom or study brings life successes. While many believe it originates from China, the tradition stems from a Japanese legend.

There is much to know about the Maneki Neko cat, from its origins to the meaning behind the colors in which it can be found. Keep reading for all of the details!

What Is A Maneki Neko Cat?

People believe this adorable cat figure, depending on its color and stance, brings good fortune and success to a business and even protects the home.

For example, if it has its right paw raised, it is thought to bring wealth and luck to the home or business, while if its left paw is raised, it is believed to bring success to one's business by waving to customers.

Some may even have both paws raised.

Some may be found holding a gold coin called a koban, which symbolizes the building of wealth and good luck. Maneki Neko cats are often referred to as 'the beckoning cat,' 'Chinese lucky cat,' and 'the waving cat.'

The Colors Of The Maneki Neko

The Maneki Neko cat can be found in a variety of colors. Each color represents a different attribute.

Calico - An all-white cat with orange, black, and brown spots, or Calico, is the most common and traditional form this cat takes. It represents luck and good fortune.

Gold - More frequently seen in businesses, gold cats stand for financial fortune.

White - A white cat represents happiness and purity, making it a perfect fixture for an entryway in one's home.

Black - Opposite to American tradition, black cats are used to protect against evil spirits.

Blue and Green - You might find cats in blue and green colors in a school because people believe they promote educational luck.

Pink - A pink cat stands for love and romance and would be a talisman for those seeking their significant other.

Origin Of The Maneki Neko Cat

Japanese lucky cat (Maneki Neko) in closeup

There are many theories and folk tales of how the Maneki Neko cat came into being, all with a common theme of a cat that brought good fortune to its owner.

The most common legend originates from the 17th century, during the Edo period in Japan. In this legend, a poor monk took in a stray cat despite having very little himself.

He lived in a small temple in Toyko, and one day, as Lord Nagasota II was hunting nearby, a great storm blew up.

As he huddled under a tree for shelter, in the distance, he saw a white cat beckon to him from the temple.

As he approached the temple, a bolt of lightning hit and destroyed the tree under which he had taken shelter.

Out of gratitude, he became a patron of the temple and they renamed it the Gotoku temple in 1697. They buried the cat in a special graveyard and erected a statue in the temple to honor it.

Modern Versions Of The Maneki Neko Cat

Easily the most visible example of a Manaki Neko cat is the character Meowth, from the Pokemon franchise. Meowth is a Calico Cat-type creature whose power is shooting gold coins from its forehead.

Modern-style Makeni Neko cats are available in a variety of forms. There are minimalist carvings, anime-style plastic collectibles, key chains, and jewelry, among many other incarnations.

What Does It Say On The Maneki Neko's Coin?

A koban is an oval gold coin from the Japanese Edo period. The lettering on the coin is also from that time period, and it says, "sen man you," which means "ten million gold coins."

Some Maneki Neko cats can be found with one or more coins showing any one or more of the following blessings: health, long life, good luck, good fortune from now on, happiness, or wealth.

Where Should You Place The Maneki Neko Statue In Your Home?

In the practice of Feng Shui, it is believed that the Maneki Neko cat should be placed in the wealth area, which is the southeast corner of the home.

Which Way Should The Lucky Cat Face?

The Lucky Cat should be placed facing southeast, and as close to the southeast corner of the home as possible.

Find The Perfect Maneki Neko Cat For Your Home

Maneki Neko Cats are very popular items and can be found in a variety of forms. Check out the following to get inspiration to bring your own "Lucky Cat" into your life!

Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) Statues

1. Golden Beckoning Cat Figurine

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This gold cat has a battery-powered arm to 'beckon' good fortune and wealth to you! The waving arm is believed to bring even more wealth to its owner than ones with fixed arms.

It is very lightweight and sits about four and a half inches tall so it can sit almost anywhere!

2. Happy Chubby Maneki Neko Figurine

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A proper porcelain Maneki Neko bank is the perfect place to put your pennies! At four inches tall, this cute kitty will bring help to grow your fortune.

It is crafted from white ceramic and rests on a bright red pillow. You can choose from four different versions, or purchase the entire set.

3. Black Maneki Neko Cat

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Ward away evil spirits and bad luck with a quirky black Maneki Neko cat. It is made of black resin, with red and gold accents. It stands about four inches tall.

4. Adorable Classic Maneki Neko - Anime Style

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Looking for something that would be right at home in your favorite anime? This classic calico bobtail "Lucky Cat," stands four inches tall and is made of durable resin.

5. The Entire Collection Of Maneki Neko Cats

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Not satisfied with just one Maneki Neko cat? How about six? This collection of miniature cats in a variety of colors will cover all your good fortune needs. Each one stands only 1 and 1/2 inches tall.

Maneki Neko Shirts

1. Cool Black Beckoning Cat Shirt

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This ringspun cotton-poly blend t-shirt has a sleeker fit than traditional boxy t-shirts. It is unisex and super soft.

2. Stylish Monochromatic Design

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Show off your lucky kitty superpowers with this amazing Japenese style t-shirt. It is available in five different colors and all solid-color shirts are made from 100% cotton.

3. Fun Lucky Kitty Shirt

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Add a little luck to your life with this 100% cotton raglan sleeve T-shirt featuring an adorable Lucky Cat. This shirt is available in seven different color sleeves, and two versions have heather gray torsos.

Other Maneki Neko Items

1. Unique Maneki Neko earrings

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Take your luck with you with these tiny Maneki Neko earrings. Happy smiling kitties made from stainless steel. They are lead-free, nickel free, and hypoallergenic.

2. Your Lucky Notebook

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Draft a manga, scribble down your dreams, or just use this charming journal for everyday notes. A lucky inspiration might be all that you need to make all your desire come to fruition!

3. Enjoy A Hot Beverage

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There is nothing like a nice cup of tea to bring warmth to a cold day, and what would be better to drink it out of than a gorgeous teapot and cup set? This ceramic set is a perfect addition to any kitchen.

Maneki Neko – The Japanese Beckoning Cat

March 19, 2020 About Cats 10 Comments

Group of Maneki Neko displayed in shop – lucky cat, common Japanese lucky charm, talisman which is often believed to bring good luck to the owner, What is the Maneki Neko Cat?

Ever wondered about that waving cat you see at your local eatery? It's time to find out what's up with that. Meet the Maneki Neko Cat, a common sight in Chinese and Japanese businesses, and learn what makes it more than just a cute decoration.

We're diving into the world of these charming cats to find out what they're all about. We'll look at why they come in so many different colors and what these colors mean. You'll learn why these cats sit back and wave - and how your very own Maneki Neko can tell you about your luck.

Is it from China or Japan? Why does it sometimes hold a gold coin? And where should you put it in your home for the best of luck? We're going to answer all these questions and more. But watch out, once you find out all about them, you might want to start your own collection of these cute lucky cats.

So, whether you've seen these cats before or this is your first time, get ready to learn all about the history, legends, and modern versions of the Maneki Neko Cat. Join us on this fun journey through this interesting part of Asian culture. Your good luck is just around the corner!

Understanding The Maneki Neko Cat: More Than A Lucky Charm

A Maneki Neko cat is a figure of a cat, sitting back on its haunches with one or both paws raised in a wave.

Owners often choose their desired colors for the Maneki Neko Cats, but most commonly select a calico Japanese bobtail, believed to bring good luck to the business and its owner.

They are typically displayed on a counter or in the windows of shops, and restaurants, but are also thought to bring life successes when placed in a bedroom or study. It is usually believed to be Chinese in origin, but it is derived from a Japanese legend.

There is much to know about the Maneki Neko cat, from its origins to the meaning behind the colors in which it can be found. Keep reading for all of the details!

What Is A Maneki Neko Cat?

This adorable cat figure is a talisman that is thought to bring good fortune and success to a business, and even protect the home, depending on its color and stance. For example, if it has its right paw raised, it is thought to bring wealth and luck to the home or business, while if its left paw is raised, it is believed to bring success to one's business by waving to customers.

Some may even have both paws raised. Some may be found holding a gold coin called a koban, which symbolizes the building of wealth and good luck. Maneki Neko cats are often referred to as 'the beckoning cat,' 'Chinese lucky cat,' and 'the waving cat.'