Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Japanese Lucky Cat Maneki Neko: The History & Meaning Explained

a Maneki-neko plastic cat

Dating back to 17th Century Japan, the beckoning cat or lucky cat, is a symbolic figurine that is often seen displayed in Chinese and Japanese shops and homes. It has also become popular around the world as a sign of friendship, good luck, and wealth.

The history of Maneki Neko dates back to the 17th Century but while the cat is sometimes referred to as the waving cat, it is actually beckoning visitors to approach.

divider 3 paws

About Maneki Neko

Maneki Neko is a well-known symbol of good fortune displayed in restaurants, cafes, shops, and homes around the world, but especially popular in Chinese and Japanese culture. They are traditionally white cats, made of porcelain, and decorated with gold paws, big yellow and black eyes, and patches on the arms.

Such is the belief in the good fortune that these lucky cats bring, they are also left on shrines.

Maneki Neko History

The exact origin of Maneki Neko is somewhat disputed, but one of the most endearing and enduring tales is that local ruler Ii Naotaka was saved from a lightning bolt while visiting the Gotoku-ji temple in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.

The abbot’s cat, Tama, beckoned Ii Naotaka into the temple, thereby saving his life from a lightning bolt. The cat was made a patron of the temple and, today, there are many statues of the lucky cat found on the site.

a gold maneki neko
Image By: Tania Van den Berghen, Pixabay

Maneki Neko Color Meaning

The most common color of Maneki Neko is a white cat with orange spots. But, different colors represent different meanings.

  • A calico cat is black, orange, and white and is the traditional combination and considered the luckiest.
  • White cats represent happiness and positivity.
  • Gold is the color most closely associated with money and wealth.
  • Black is meant to represent good and is used to ward off evil.
  • Red cats are said to bring success in relationships.
  • Green Maneki Neko are supposed to bring good health.

divider cats oct 2024

The 4 Facts About Maneki Neko

1. The Waving Cat Is Not Waving

Although many people describe Maneki Neko as the waving cat, he is actually beckoning. In Japan, it is traditional to hold the hand up with the palm facing forward and the fingers curled over, to beckon people closer. Maneki Neko even translates as “beckoning cat.”


2. The Lucky Chinese Cat Is Not Chinese

Maneki Neko is also referred to as the lucky Chinese cat. While the history of the figurine is somewhat debated, it is generally accepted that it originates in Japan and not China. However, the lucky cat has been adopted throughout China and, to a lesser extent, in other countries throughout the world.

side view of a maneki neko
Image Credit: angelsover, Pixabay

3. They Often Hold Things In Their Paws

You may see some Maneki Nekos holding things in their paws. Different represent different things, although most have to do with wealth and prosperity. The cat might be holding a fish, marble, gem, money mallet, or a Japanese coin.


4. Some Are Left Handed, Some Are Right Handed

In the same way you can see different colors and cats carrying different items, you may have also noticed that some cats raise their left paw, some raise their right, and some raise both. The left paw is meant to attract customers while the right paw invites wealth. Both paws are said to attract both and are popular in restaurants and shops to attract spending customers.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

Today, Maneki Neko is seen globally as a sign of good luck and is supposed to bring good fortune to those who display it. Traditionally, it is likely that they originated in 17th-century Japan before spreading to China and eventually to other countries of the world. Although they all represent good luck and the majority are said to bring wealth and good fortune, different colors represent different types of luck.

And even the hand that the cat is waving represents a different type of fortune.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: LoulouVonGlup, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Cats See in the Dark? 8 Cat Night Vision Facts

If your cat keeps you awake playing in the middle of the night, you might assume that they can see in the dark....

25 Free DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home (With Pictures)

Cats seem to have a way of losing or destroying their toys during an intense game of fetch or chase. Replenishing their toys...

Sentry Calming Collar for Cats Review 2025: Pros, Cons & FAQ

Review Summary The Sentry Calming Collar for cats works under the premise of cat pheromone science. Simply put, mother cats produce a pheromone...

15 Best Kitten Toys of 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Kittens are always on the go, and giving them plenty of toys to entertain themselves is one of the best ways to wear...

More related

Animal Rights Awareness Week 2025: When It Is & How to Participate

Animal Rights Awareness Week is held each year in the third week of June. For 2024, that’s the 17th to the 23rd of...

Top 7 Cat Bite Infection Symptoms in Humans: Vet-Verified Facts

Cats like to bite playfully, but the bites aren’t meant to puncture the skin. However, if you sustain a cat bite that draws...

Persian Kittens For Sale in Wisconsin: Breeders List 2025

Catster advocates for adopting before shopping, though we fully understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder. So, we encourage it to...

Domestic Shorthair Cat: Breed Info, Pictures, Traits & Facts

Have you ever been at a friend’s house and asked them what breed their cat is, only for them to tell you they’re...

Keep reading

9 Best Cat Foods for Maine Coon in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Maine Coon cats are the big, handsome fluffballs of the cat world. They have great personalities; however, the Maine Coon’s coat is thick and requires upkeep. These cats are naturally large, but that doesn’t mean they should be overweight or...

maine coon cat finished eating

How to Potty Train a Kitten: Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

If you’ve landed on this post, odds are that you just added a new kitten to your life. Given that your new bundle of feline joy is a kitten, they will need a little direction from you. When it comes...

cat toilet_kachalkina veronika_shutterstock

Why Do Cats Hide Their Toys? Funny Feline Behavior

If you’re around cats long enough, you come to find that they thoroughly enjoy hiding things. Whether it’s their favorite toys, a treat, or even your car keys, if they like it, they want to keep it for themselves. It’s...

cat with toy on the cat house

9 Best Litter Boxes for Kittens in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cats can be particular and fussy, whether it be with food, toys, or grooming. And their bathroom habits are no different. Even the slightest change in the texture or color can quickly put them off, so finding a litter box...

gray kitten sitting in litter box

5 Best Spots to Pet a Cat: Vet Approved Tips

Cats are unique, fascinating creatures that have captured our hearts for generations. While some felines crave constant attention and physical touch, others are more reserved and only accept petting on their terms. To ensure that your cat feels comfortable and...

cat sitting on owners lap

Why Do Cats Bunny Kick? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If you’ve owned a cat for at least 24 hours, you likely already understand the power of the bunny kick. It’s cute when a cat bunny kicks toys, but it’s not as cute when it becomes your arm, hand, foot,...

cat on lap

Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats? Vet-Reviewed Houseplants Examined

As a cat parent, you want to do everything to keep your beloved feline safe and healthy. And, like many other people with cats, you might also enjoy keeping a few houseplants around to brighten up your home or apartment....

Catster_Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats

10 Best Limited Ingredient Cat Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Choosing the right cat food can be pretty daunting, especially if your loved one has allergies or sensitivities to particular ingredients. Fortunately, there are special formulas available for your feline friend known as limited-ingredient cat foods. They have small ingredient...

feline cat eating on a metal bowl