What is a maneki neko?

The maneki neko (aka "lucky cat", "welcoming cat", "beckoning cat") is believed to be a symbol of good fortune. They are placed at the entrances of dwellings and businesses in Japan for this express purpose. The statue is always placed such that it faces the door to greet those who enter.

A properly-made maneki neko statue is made from ceramic, though nowadays there are cheap ones made from papier mache, wood, even polyresin.

Which paw is up?

meanings of your beckoning cat

If the maneki neko's left paw is up, it is inviting people in. If the right paw is up, it is inviting good fortune in. Both paws up is a symbol of protection for the home or business the statue is in.

You can sometimes get two-cat pairs to cover both angles, if you like.

Maneki neko colour meanings

• Calico: luckiest of lucky cats to have
• White: purity
• Black: ward against evil entering
• Gold or yellow: wealth
• Red or pink: love and relationships
• Green: health