Small cat tattoos have fast become a body art staple. Tattoo artists need to be able to work across a range of design styles as people look to get ink to symbolize their prized pet.  Cats are also recurring themes in entertainment, mystery, fantasy, and history, so being technically dexterous means artists will get a steady stream of requests from cat tattoo aspirants.  As these top 71 small cat tattoo ideas show, there’s no limit to the type, style, and placement of feline body art that you can take as inspiration to your next appointment. 

See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

  1. Lower Leg and Ankle Small Cat Tattoos Source: @hiacyntaa via Instagram Source: @itskaaait via Instagram Source: @janetattoo_nz via Instagram Source: @jessicaholmestattoo via Instagram Source: @longlivethemuse__ via Instagram Source: @lucythevegancrazycatlady via Instagram Source: @miso.inked via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram
  2. Heavy Black Ink Small Cat Tattoos Source: @naro.tatt via Instagram Source: @rikku_tattoo via Instagram Source: @dali_jmz_tattoo via Instagram Source: @alexandre_ducharme via Instagram Source: @bluthtattoo via Instagram Source: @dontchatattoo via Instagram Source: @tatt.umi via Instagram Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @teddie_upchucks via Instagram Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram Source: @suzie_tattoo via Instagram
  3. Colorful Small Cat Tattoo Ideas Source: @tatarazia_ via Instagram Source: @lamagatattooer via Instagram Source: @newtattoo_17 via Instagram Source: @sssgoddog via Instagram Source: @ttoa225 via Instagram
  4. Small Cat Tattoos for the Forearm Source: @nabestiaccia via Instagram Source: @aiji.wow via Instagram Source: @jenny_tattooart via Instagram Source: @mar.delio via Instagram Source: @prestigetattoo94 via Instagram Source: @stevie_doan via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @tattooswithjoy via Instagram Source: @tee.tattoo via Instagram Source: @willtatts_ink via Instagram Source: @alivetattoos via Instagram
  5. Realistic Small Cat Tattoo Ideas Source: @martinkellytattoo via Instagram Source: @lady_elle_wonderland via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @asir.de.latorre via Instagram Source: @beefy.and.hammy via Instagram Source: @fattie_tao via Instagram Source: @jins_tattoo via Instagram Source: @jordanlentz via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram
  6. Simple Small Cat Tattoo Art Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @janitattooer via Instagram Source: @laskovesmir via Instagram Source: @laurathedrawer via Instagram Source: @molebulle via Instagram Source: @mr.jones.tattoo via Instagram Source: @na.nago via Instagram Source: @nosaytatted via Instagram Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @tattooemmels via Instagram Source: @riios_daniiel_ via Instagram
  7. Upper Arm Small Cat Tattoo Designs Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @anke.cools via Instagram Source: @kimyohan_tattoo via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @reynink_tattoofuzi via Instagram Source: @xiso_ink via Instagram
  8. Small Cat Tattoos for the Wrist Source: @damkstudio via Instagram Source: @deotattoocasoria via Instagram Source: @hiacyntaa via Instagram Source: @lamagatattooer via Instagram Source: @mamuttattooart via Instagram Source: @raianesoaresdelima via Instagram Source: @veeology via Instagram Source: @xtatianasandbergx via Instagram Source: @tattoosbystrangers via Instagram

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

Small cat tattoos have fast become a body art staple. Tattoo artists need to be able to work across a range of design styles as people look to get ink to symbolize their prized pet.  Cats are also recurring themes in entertainment, mystery, fantasy, and history, so being technically dexterous means artists will get a steady stream of requests from cat tattoo aspirants.  As these top 71 small cat tattoo ideas show, there’s no limit to the type, style, and placement of feline body art that you can take as inspiration to your next appointment. 

See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

  1. Lower Leg and Ankle Small Cat Tattoos Source: @hiacyntaa via Instagram Source: @itskaaait via Instagram Source: @janetattoo_nz via Instagram Source: @jessicaholmestattoo via Instagram Source: @longlivethemuse__ via Instagram Source: @lucythevegancrazycatlady via Instagram Source: @miso.inked via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram
  2. Heavy Black Ink Small Cat Tattoos Source: @naro.tatt via Instagram Source: @rikku_tattoo via Instagram Source: @dali_jmz_tattoo via Instagram Source: @alexandre_ducharme via Instagram Source: @bluthtattoo via Instagram Source: @dontchatattoo via Instagram Source: @tatt.umi via Instagram Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @teddie_upchucks via Instagram Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram Source: @suzie_tattoo via Instagram
  3. Colorful Small Cat Tattoo Ideas Source: @tatarazia_ via Instagram Source: @lamagatattooer via Instagram Source: @newtattoo_17 via Instagram Source: @sssgoddog via Instagram Source: @ttoa225 via Instagram
  4. Small Cat Tattoos for the Forearm Source: @nabestiaccia via Instagram Source: @aiji.wow via Instagram Source: @jenny_tattooart via Instagram Source: @mar.delio via Instagram Source: @prestigetattoo94 via Instagram Source: @stevie_doan via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @tattooswithjoy via Instagram Source: @tee.tattoo via Instagram Source: @willtatts_ink via Instagram Source: @alivetattoos via Instagram
  5. Realistic Small Cat Tattoo Ideas Source: @martinkellytattoo via Instagram Source: @lady_elle_wonderland via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram Source: @asir.de.latorre via Instagram Source: @beefy.and.hammy via Instagram Source: @fattie_tao via Instagram Source: @jins_tattoo via Instagram Source: @jordanlentz via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @tappymao via Instagram
  6. Simple Small Cat Tattoo Art Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @janitattooer via Instagram Source: @laskovesmir via Instagram Source: @laurathedrawer via Instagram Source: @molebulle via Instagram Source: @mr.jones.tattoo via Instagram Source: @na.nago via Instagram Source: @nosaytatted via Instagram Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram Source: @tattooemmels via Instagram Source: @riios_daniiel_ via Instagram
  7. Upper Arm Small Cat Tattoo Designs Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @anke.cools via Instagram Source: @kimyohan_tattoo via Instagram Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram Source: @reynink_tattoofuzi via Instagram Source: @xiso_ink via Instagram
  8. Small Cat Tattoos for the Wrist Source: @damkstudio via Instagram Source: @deotattoocasoria via Instagram Source: @hiacyntaa via Instagram Source: @lamagatattooer via Instagram Source: @mamuttattooart via Instagram Source: @raianesoaresdelima via Instagram Source: @veeology via Instagram Source: @xtatianasandbergx via Instagram Source: @tattoosbystrangers via Instagram

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

Small cat tattoos have fast become a body art staple. Tattoo artists need to be able to work across a range of design styles as people look to get ink to symbolize their prized pet. 

Cats are also recurring themes in entertainment, mystery, fantasy, and history, so being technically dexterous means artists will get a steady stream of requests from cat tattoo aspirants. 

As these top 71 small cat tattoo ideas show, there’s no limit to the type, style, and placement of feline body art that you can take as inspiration to your next appointment. 

See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

1. Lower Leg and Ankle Small Cat Tattoos

Source: @hiacyntaa via Instagram

Source: @itskaaait via Instagram

Source: @janetattoo_nz via Instagram

Source: @jessicaholmestattoo via Instagram

Source: @longlivethemuse__ via Instagram

Source: @lucythevegancrazycatlady via Instagram

Source: @miso.inked via Instagram

Source: @tappymao via Instagram

2. Heavy Black Ink Small Cat Tattoos

Source: @naro.tatt via Instagram

Source: @rikku_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @dali_jmz_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @alexandre_ducharme via Instagram

Source: @bluthtattoo via Instagram

Source: @dontchatattoo via Instagram

Source: @tatt.umi via Instagram

Source: @tattoo_toon via Instagram

Source: @teddie_upchucks via Instagram

Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @suzie_tattoo via Instagram

3. Colorful Small Cat Tattoo Ideas

Source: @tatarazia_ via Instagram

Source: @lamagatattooer via Instagram

Source: @newtattoo_17 via Instagram

Source: @sssgoddog via Instagram

Source: @ttoa225 via Instagram

4. Small Cat Tattoos for the Forearm

Source: @nabestiaccia via Instagram

Source: @aiji.wow via Instagram

Source: @jenny_tattooart via Instagram

Source: @mar.delio via Instagram

Source: @prestigetattoo94 via Instagram

Source: @stevie_doan via Instagram

Source: @tattooswithjoy via Instagram

Source: @tee.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @willtatts_ink via Instagram

Source: @alivetattoos via Instagram

5. Realistic Small Cat Tattoo Ideas

Source: @martinkellytattoo via Instagram

Source: @lady_elle_wonderland via Instagram

Source: @asir.de.latorre via Instagram

Source: @beefy.and.hammy via Instagram

Source: @fattie_tao via Instagram

Source: @jins_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @jordanlentz via Instagram

Source: @meilu_928 via Instagram

6. Simple Small Cat Tattoo Art

Source: @janitattooer via Instagram

Source: @laskovesmir via Instagram

Source: @laurathedrawer via Instagram

Source: @molebulle via Instagram

Source: @mr.jones.tattoo via Instagram

Source: @na.nago via Instagram

Source: @nosaytatted via Instagram

Source: @tattooemmels via Instagram

Source: @riios_daniiel_ via Instagram

7. Upper Arm Small Cat Tattoo Designs

Source: @anke.cools via Instagram

Source: @kimyohan_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @reynink_tattoofuzi via Instagram

Source: @xiso_ink via Instagram

8. Small Cat Tattoos for the Wrist

Source: @damkstudio via Instagram

Source: @deotattoocasoria via Instagram

Source: @mamuttattooart via Instagram

Source: @raianesoaresdelima via Instagram

Source: @veeology via Instagram

Source: @xtatianasandbergx via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbystrangers via Instagram

See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas

See more about - Top 63 Best Cat Tattoo Ideas

                        What does a small cat tattoo symbolize?

Considering how many people own cats it is a bit surprising the amount of mystery and magic felines illicit in people. Most often cats are associated with luck and a mystical, eternal nature that goes with their nine lives and ability to land on their feet. Some people choose a black cat as a talisman to ward off the bad luck linked to these animals, while others use a small realistic tattoo design to commemorate a beloved pet.

                        Where should I place my small cat tattoo?

A small cat design is equally at home in a visible position – such as the wrist, forearm, or ankle – but are also placed in locations where they can either be covered or shown off as well. You’ll find a lot more cat tattoos are etched on the shoulder or blade or center of the back, on the feet and hands, or even behind a collector’s ear.

                        What other perspectives can be represented by small cat tattoos?

Cats have been associated with the supernatural throughout history, most notably in Egypt, where cats were associated with the Goddess Bastet and the punishment for killing or injuring a cat was quite severe. In the West, black cats have been harbingers of bad luck as well as having deep associations with witchcraft and the occult.

                        Why is single needle application popular for small cat tattoos?

Single needle means that only one needle is used in creating a tattoo, and the technique is making a huge comeback as tattoo artists again embrace the fine detail method coupled with increased technical know-how. Single needle tattoos work brilliantly for small depictions of cats as there can be a huge amount of pinpoint detail etched into the features, fur, whiskers and eyes. Single needle is also a growing staple of women’s tattooing, as they tend to eschew large, grandiose designs in favor of versatile smaller ideas.

                        What style of cat tattoo should I get?

Just like in placement, small cat tattoos work brilliantly across a range of styles and applications. For people commemorating their pet realistic designs are a perfect fit, while for more humorous, less personal body art linework and cartoon cat tattoos work nicely depicted on a smaller scale. If you’re looking for a small cat tattoo that is out of the ordinary, heavy black ink felines and geometric styles feature great use of contrasting negative space and shapes.

                        What does a small cat tattoo symbolize?

Considering how many people own cats it is a bit surprising the amount of mystery and magic felines illicit in people. Most often cats are associated with luck and a mystical, eternal nature that goes with their nine lives and ability to land on their feet. Some people choose a black cat as a talisman to ward off the bad luck linked to these animals, while others use a small realistic tattoo design to commemorate a beloved pet.

Considering how many people own cats it is a bit surprising the amount of mystery and magic felines illicit in people.

Most often cats are associated with luck and a mystical, eternal nature that goes with their nine lives and ability to land on their feet.

Some people choose a black cat as a talisman to ward off the bad luck linked to these animals, while others use a small realistic tattoo design to commemorate a beloved pet.

                        Where should I place my small cat tattoo?

A small cat design is equally at home in a visible position – such as the wrist, forearm, or ankle – but are also placed in locations where they can either be covered or shown off as well. You’ll find a lot more cat tattoos are etched on the shoulder or blade or center of the back, on the feet and hands, or even behind a collector’s ear.

A small cat design is equally at home in a visible position – such as the wrist, forearm, or ankle – but are also placed in locations where they can either be covered or shown off as well.

You’ll find a lot more cat tattoos are etched on the shoulder or blade or center of the back, on the feet and hands, or even behind a collector’s ear.

                        What other perspectives can be represented by small cat tattoos?

Cats have been associated with the supernatural throughout history, most notably in Egypt, where cats were associated with the Goddess Bastet and the punishment for killing or injuring a cat was quite severe. In the West, black cats have been harbingers of bad luck as well as having deep associations with witchcraft and the occult.

Cats have been associated with the supernatural throughout history, most notably in Egypt, where cats were associated with the Goddess Bastet and the punishment for killing or injuring a cat was quite severe.

In the West, black cats have been harbingers of bad luck as well as having deep associations with witchcraft and the occult.

                        Why is single needle application popular for small cat tattoos?

Single needle means that only one needle is used in creating a tattoo, and the technique is making a huge comeback as tattoo artists again embrace the fine detail method coupled with increased technical know-how. Single needle tattoos work brilliantly for small depictions of cats as there can be a huge amount of pinpoint detail etched into the features, fur, whiskers and eyes. Single needle is also a growing staple of women’s tattooing, as they tend to eschew large, grandiose designs in favor of versatile smaller ideas.

Single needle means that only one needle is used in creating a tattoo, and the technique is making a huge comeback as tattoo artists again embrace the fine detail method coupled with increased technical know-how.

Single needle tattoos work brilliantly for small depictions of cats as there can be a huge amount of pinpoint detail etched into the features, fur, whiskers and eyes.

Single needle is also a growing staple of women’s tattooing, as they tend to eschew large, grandiose designs in favor of versatile smaller ideas.

                        What style of cat tattoo should I get?

Just like in placement, small cat tattoos work brilliantly across a range of styles and applications. For people commemorating their pet realistic designs are a perfect fit, while for more humorous, less personal body art linework and cartoon cat tattoos work nicely depicted on a smaller scale. If you’re looking for a small cat tattoo that is out of the ordinary, heavy black ink felines and geometric styles feature great use of contrasting negative space and shapes.

Just like in placement, small cat tattoos work brilliantly across a range of styles and applications.

For people commemorating their pet realistic designs are a perfect fit, while for more humorous, less personal body art linework and cartoon cat tattoos work nicely depicted on a smaller scale.

If you’re looking for a small cat tattoo that is out of the ordinary, heavy black ink felines and geometric styles feature great use of contrasting negative space and shapes.