Question 1

What does a lucky cat Maneki-neko (招き猫) symbolize?

Accepted Answer

A lucky cat Maneki-neko symbolizes welcome, good fortune, customer invitation, warm relationships, and prosperity wishes. Its raised paw beckons people or opportunity closer, while its color, coin, bell, and other accessories make the message more specific.

Question 2

Which paw should a lucky cat raise?

Accepted Answer

Choose the left paw to welcome customers, popularity, and good connections; choose the right paw for wealth, prosperity, career, and business wishes. Both paws express fortune and blessing together, and a left-and-right pair is a common balanced alternative.

Question 3

What do lucky cat colors mean?

Accepted Answer

White represents luck and purity; gold or yellow represents wealth and prosperity; black represents guardianship and peace; red represents health and smooth relationships; pink represents love; green supports study and health wishes; blue supports career and safe travel; purple represents wisdom and elegance; and calico carries a classic lucky association.

Question 4

Where should I place a lucky cat at home or in a shop?

Accepted Answer

Place it near a shop entrance, reception point, cash register, office desk, home entrance, or visible living-room shelf. Face the cat toward the door, window, or arriving visitors, keep it clean and unobstructed, and display it at eye level or slightly higher.

Question 5

Is a lucky cat a good opening or housewarming gift?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For an opening, a left-paw cat welcomes customers and a right-paw cat emphasizes prosperity. For a housewarming, white, calico, gold, or a calm ceramic design expresses happiness, warm hospitality, and an abundant new beginning.

Question 6

How should I clean and care for a lucky cat?

Accepted Answer

Dust an ornament monthly with a soft dry cloth, use a soft brush for grooves, keep it away from moisture and chemicals, lift it from the base, and avoid frequent moving. Store jewelry dry and separately, and replace an ornament if a crack, broken paw, or unstable base makes the form incomplete.

Question 7

What is the difference between a lucky cat ornament and lucky cat jewelry?

Accepted Answer

An ornament is designed to shape the atmosphere of a home, shop, counter, or office and may range from 10–15 cm desktop pieces to 20–30 cm shop displays. Jewelry turns the same symbolism into a wearable pendant, 0.3g–1g transfer bead, cord charm, ring, or omamori-style accessory.

East Asian symbolism

Lucky Cat Maneki-neko (招き猫) Meaning: Paw Direction, Colors, Placement, and Gifts

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