What is the infamous Maneki Neko or Lucky Cat? Find out!

The Maneki Neko Cat, or “Chinese Lucky Cat”, is a lucky charm (in the form of a cat with one upright paw) that brings many types of good fortune to the owner, especially wealth and prosperity. You’ve probably seen restaurants and stores with their own small lucky cat figurines. The good news is that you can also have it in your own home to bring you lots of luck!

Here are 4 interesting things you didn’t know about the famous Lucky Cat!

• 1. It’s a Legend

There are some lengend about how the Maneki Neko first came to be. The most well-known tells the tale of a wealthy man, caught in a rainstorm, who took shelter under a tree just outside a temple. He then noticed a cat “beckoning” him over to the temple, so the man followed it inside. After just a few moments, in the middle of the rainstorm, lighting struck the tree he was taking shelter under. Because the cat saved this man’s life, the man was very grateful, so he became a follower and benefactor of the temple and brought it to much prosperity. When the man passed away, a statue of the cat was built in his honor.

Interesting, right?

• 2. A Cat of Many Names 

The name “Maneki Neko”originated in Japan and it literally means “beckoning cat”, because the cat’s paw is raised as if waving in good fortune for its owners. The most well-known title for this figure of fortune is the Chinese name for it: “Lucky Cat”. There is also Money Cat, Welcoming Cat, Happy Cat, and Fortune Cat.

• 3. The Significance of the Raised Paw

There is meaning behind each paw of the lucky cat. If he is holding up the left paw, it attracts customers. If the right paw is raised, this invites good fortune and money.

However, in 2008 due to the worldwide economic crisis, people wanted both good fortune and business. Because of this, a new image of the lucky cat surfaced, one in which both paws are raised, beckoning happiness and money. This newer version is actually the most popular! So now, if BOTH paws are raised, the cat will attract prosperity and protection to anywhere it is placed.

• 4. The Meaning behind the Colors

There are different colored lucky cats and each one has a special meaning.

Gold or Yellow: Wealth, prosperity, health and balance.

Black: Protection, safety, wards off evil.

Pink: Success in love and relationships.

Red and oranges: Protection from evil and illnesses.

Blue tones: Academic careers and scholarships.

Our cute lucky cats are the newest version and come in assorted colors for your choosing! Choose your own and start getting good fortune!
Our cats want to find their new owner, so they are shipped for free!