The ancient Egyptians revered cats as sacred animals, symbolizing grace, mystery, and protection. If you’re captivated by Egyptian mythology and want to pay homage to this fascinating culture, an Egyptian cat tattoo is a perfect choice. In this article, we present 23 Egyptian cat tattoo ideas that will transport you to the mystical world of ancient Egypt.
1. Bastet, the Cat Goddess
Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, was often depicted as a lioness or a domestic cat. A tattoo of Bastet captures the power and grace associated with this revered deity. Choose a design that portrays Bastet with intricate details and symbols, such as the ankh (the key of life) or a sun disk, to enhance the Egyptian symbolism.
2. Anubis and the Cat
Anubis, the god of mummification and the afterlife, is often depicted with the head of a jackal. Combining Anubis with a cat in your tattoo design creates a unique representation of Egyptian mythology. The fusion of these two powerful symbols adds a touch of mysticism and spiritual significance to your cat tattoo.
3. Eye of Horus Cat
The Eye of Horus is a symbol of protection and healing in Egyptian mythology. Incorporate the Eye of Horus into your cat tattoo design, with the cat’s eye mimicking the shape of this ancient symbol. It represents the cat’s heightened senses and the watchful nature attributed to cats in Egyptian culture.
4. Egyptian Hieroglyphs and Cats
Combine the beauty of Egyptian hieroglyphs with the grace of cats in your tattoo design. Choose hieroglyphs that represent words like “cat,” “protection,” or “power” to enhance the symbolism. Incorporate the cat image alongside the hieroglyphs, creating a visually striking fusion of ancient Egyptian script and feline grace.
5. Scarab and Cat
The scarab beetle held great significance in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing rebirth and protection. Incorporate a scarab beetle alongside a cat in your tattoo design, showcasing the interconnectedness of these two symbols. It represents the eternal cycle of life and the cat’s role as a guardian in the afterlife.
6. Cat Pharaoh
Portray a cat adorned with the regal attire of a pharaoh in your tattoo design. This representation combines the elegance of cats with the power and authority associated with pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Choose intricate details and embellishments inspired by Egyptian headdresses, jewelry, and royal garments.
7. Ankh and Cat
The ankh, a cross-like symbol with a loop at the top, is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph representing life and immortality. Combine the ankh with a cat in your tattoo design, emphasizing the cat’s connection to the cycle of life and the afterlife. It symbolizes the cat’s eternal presence and protective qualities.
8. Winged Egyptian Cat
Incorporate wings into your cat tattoo design to represent the cat’s connection to the heavens and its ability to transcend earthly boundaries. Inspired by the mythological creature known as the winged sphinx, this tattoo combines the elegance of a cat with the celestial symbolism of wings.
9. Amun-Ra and the Cat
Amun-Ra, the sun god, was associated with feline qualities, such as protection and power. Combine the image of Amun-Ra with a cat in your tattoo design to capture the divine nature of cats in ancient Egyptian mythology. Choose intricate details and symbols associated with Amun-Ra, such as the sun disk or the ram’s horns.
10. Lotus Flower Cat
The lotus flower is a sacred symbol in ancient Egypt, representing rebirth, enlightenment, and purity. Combine the lotus flower with a cat in your tattoo design, showcasing the cat’s connection to the divine and its role in guiding souls through the cycles of life and death.
11. Egyptian Cat Goddess Neith
Neith, the goddess of war, wisdom, and weaving, was sometimes depicted as a lioness or a cat. A tattoo of Neith embodies strength, intelligence, and femininity. Choose a design that portrays Neith with her traditional symbols, such as a bow and arrow or a weaving shuttle, to enhance the Egyptian cat symbolism.
12. Nekhbet and the Cat
Nekhbet, the vulture goddess, was often associated with protection and motherhood. Incorporate Nekhbet alongside a cat in your tattoo design, symbolizing the cat’s nurturing and protective qualities. Choose symbols associated with Nekhbet, such as the vulture wings or the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, to enhance the Egyptian symbolism.
13. Cat with Egyptian Jewelry
Add a touch of glamour to your cat tattoo by incorporating Egyptian-inspired jewelry, such as collars, bracelets, or ankhs. This creative design showcases the cat’s association with luxury and adornment in ancient Egypt. Choose intricate details and gemstone colors inspired by traditional Egyptian jewelry.
14. Sphinx Cat
The sphinx, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human or a ram, is an iconic symbol in ancient Egyptian culture. Create a tattoo design that fuses the elegance of a cat with the enigmatic allure of the sphinx. It represents wisdom, mystery, and the cat’s role as a guardian of secrets and riddles.
15. Cat with Egyptian Symbols
Incorporate various Egyptian symbols, such as ankhs, scarabs, hieroglyphs, or the Eye of Horus, alongside the cat in your tattoo design. This creative approach showcases the cat’s connection to the rich symbolism of ancient Egypt, creating a visually captivating and culturally significant tattoo.
16. Cat with Pyramid
Embrace the iconic imagery of ancient Egypt by incorporating a pyramid into your cat tattoo design. The pyramid represents the eternal resting place of pharaohs and the cat’s association with the afterlife. Choose a minimalist or intricate pyramid design that complements the cat silhouette.
17. Egyptian Cat Goddess Sekhmet
Sekhmet, the lioness goddess associated with war and healing, was sometimes depicted with feline features. A tattoo of Sekhmet showcases the fierce and powerful nature of cats in Egyptian mythology. Choose a design that portrays Sekhmet with her traditional symbols, such as the sun disk or a scepter, to enhance the Egyptian cat symbolism.
18. Cat with Egyptian Sun Disk
Emphasize the cat’s connection to the sun and its association with divinity by incorporating the Egyptian sun disk into your tattoo design. The sun disk represents life, light, and the eternal presence of the gods. Choose a design that places the cat within or alongside the sun disk, creating a visually striking and spiritually significant tattoo.
19. Egyptian Cat Hieroglyphs
Incorporate cat hieroglyphs into your tattoo design to celebrate the ancient Egyptian writing system. Choose cat-related hieroglyphs, such as the sitting cat or the cat-headed person, to enhance the Egyptian symbolism. This creative approach showcases your appreciation for the art of hieroglyphic writing and the cultural significance of cats in ancient Egypt.
20. Cat with Egyptian Headdress
Highlight the regal nature of cats by incorporating an Egyptian headdress, such as the nemes or the double crown, into your tattoo design. This creative choice adds a touch of grandeur and majesty to the cat’s depiction, representing its association with royalty and divinity in ancient Egyptian culture.
21. Cat with Egyptian Lotus Columns
Incorporate the elegant columns inspired by Egyptian lotus motifs into your cat tattoo design. The lotus columns symbolize beauty, strength, and rebirth. Choose a design that places the cat between or beside the lotus columns, creating a visually captivating and culturally significant tattoo.
22. Egyptian Cat God Bes
Bes, the dwarf god associated with protection and fertility, was often depicted as a lion or a cat. A tattoo of Bes represents the playful and joyful qualities of cats in Egyptian mythology. Choose a design that portrays Bes with his traditional symbols, such as a feather headdress or a musical instrument, to enhance the Egyptian cat symbolism.
23. Cat with Egyptian Sacred Geometry
Incorporate Egyptian sacred geometry, such as the Flower of Life or the Metatron’s Cube, into your cat tattoo design. This creative approach showcases the cat’s connection to the cosmic and geometric principles revered in ancient Egyptian culture. Choose a design that combines the intricate patterns of sacred geometry with the grace and elegance of a cat.
These 23 Egyptian cat tattoo ideas offer a range of creative designs for feline lovers fascinated by ancient Egyptian culture and symbolism. Choose the design that resonates with your personal connection to cats and the allure of Egypt, and let your tattoo become a captivating tribute to this rich and mystical civilization.
