The Japanese cat Maneki Neko

Coco Papaya brings you its selection of Maneki Neko Japanese cats!

You've probably seen him somewhere, in a Japanese restaurant, or watching a documentary on Japanese culture... Yes, that cute cat waving its paw at you is a veritable emblem of Japanese folklore, and it's called the Maneki Neko.

Meaning of the Japanese cat Maneki Neko

The Maneki Neko is also known as the cat of fortune, the lucky cat or the cat of luck.

It's a traditional Japanese statuette, usually battery- or solar-powered, depicting a cat waving a paw. Often seen in Asian restaurants and shops.

According to tradition, maneki-neko are considered lucky charms that attract luck and wealth. But there are a few nuances, depending on which paw the cat is waving, and on its color.

Which Maneki Neko to choose?

If you want to treat yourself to a Maneki Neko, it's probably to help you fulfill one of your dearest wishes. Or maybe it's because you'd like to attract good luck to someone you know who's recently run out of it (what an honorable intention!). In either case, you'll need to know the differences between the various models. Here are the different Maneki Neko and the beliefs attributed to them:

• If a cat waves its left paw, it attracts customers to a store. If it waves its right paw, it attracts money.
• The golden or yellow cat attracts wealth.
• The white cat, symbol of purity, attracts good luck and favors good social relations.
• The black cat is considered a talisman to ward off evil spirits. The exact opposite of our Western beliefs!
• The silver cat symbolizes longevity.
• Red cats promote good health.
• The pink cat increases the chances of finding love.
• The green cat is said to help you succeed at school or work.
• And the rare multicolored cat (white with red and black spots) is said to bring happiness.

Depending on the beliefs attributed to him, the Maneki Neko is often depicted with "attributes": he is sometimes seen gathered in a family with a cat and a kitten (in this case, he is a protective talisman for the family), carrying gold coins or even sitting on a gold ingot (symbolizing wealth).

The custom of the Maneki Neko is still very much alive today, and new representations of this mischievous cat are born almost daily, to satisfy the most superstitious among us!

Where to place your Maneki Neko cat?

Do you finally own your Maneki Neko and want to place it in the right place to receive its blessings? Excellent idea!

The Japanese are very sensitive to Feng Shui and therefore consider that the Maneki Neko should be placed in a strategic position in the home, depending on what is expected of it.

Here are the main places where it's customary to place a Maneki Neko:

• At the main entrance: The Japanese believe that placing the Maneki Neko near the front door of the home or office is ideal for attracting good fortune and prosperity.
• Near the cash register: In a store or restaurant, the Maneki Neko should be placed near the cash register. The little cat will attract customers and business prosperity. What's more, customers love to see it when they enter a store, and its presence will often make a very good impression!
• In the zone of wealth: According to the Bagua (the Feng Shui energy map), the zone of wealth is generally located in the back left-hand corner of the house (in relation to the main entrance). Placing the Maneki Neko in this zone would be a good way of attracting abundance...
• Wherever you want to attract good luck: the Japanese sometimes place their Maneki Neko in surprising places like the living room or dining room. They believe that the little cat has the power to attract good luck precisely where it is!

Finally, the main rule is not to place the Maneki Neko in dark, hidden or cluttered places. Otherwise, its positive energy could be disrupted and it might not attract luck as well as usual.

Now you know all about Maneki Neko. Don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions about this adorable cat.