FAQ about Maneki Neko Lore

The Japanese "Lucky Cat" or Maneki Neko is a well-loved symbol of luck and prosperity throughout the Eastern and Western world. Whether you have a lucky cat made out of Paper Mache, simulated gold, or brightly painted plastic, all types of Maneki Neko are believed to bring prosperity, luck, happiness to your home or business. Look below for answers to frequently asked questions about the Lucky Cat and its use in business, Feng Shui, and home décor.

Is a Maneki Neko the same thing as a Fortune Cat?
Yes. The Japanese lucky cat is called by many names, including the fortune cat, the prosperity cat, the beckoning cat, the welcoming cat, the money cat, the slappy cat, and sometimes (incorrectly) as the Chinese lucky cat (although it is of Japanese origin).

Will a battery operated lucky cat that is waving bring me more good fortune than a stationary lucky cat?
Not necessarily, although according to the principles of Feng Shui a moving lucky cat may be better at decreasing stagnant chi in your home or business.

Should I invest in a gold plated lucky cat for my business? I really want my hair salon to grow!
Not necessarily. Any lucky cat should be equally effective at increasing luck in your business. A gold plated cat may just attract thieves, and that's not very lucky! Unless you have a very high end salon where gold plated decorations would blend in well with the décor, you do not want your lucky cat to attract a huge amount of attention.

I want to make sure that my Maneki Neko is authentic. What kind of cat is a real lucky cat supposed to be?
Traditionally, a Maneki Neko is a white Japanese Bobtail cat. Lucky cats are also often painted gold, silver, yellow, black, and orange. While ceramic fortune cats are the most common, they are reportedly no better at attracting good fortune than lucky cats made from other materials.

I have a restaurant. Where is the best place to put a lucky cat at my place of business, according to the principles of Feng Shui?
The best place to have your fortune cat is right by the cash register. For optimum chi energy and good fortune, your lucky cat should be places so that it faces the entrance to your business. This may be the front door of your business, or the doorway from a lobby or other entrance area.

According to Japanese tradition, where should I place my fortune cat in my home in order to attract the most luck and prosperity?
Traditionally, a lucky cat should be placed in the entry area of a home. Entry halls, living rooms, front porches and entry gardens are great places for your lucky cat.

What is the significance of a lucky cat's upraised hand?
The upraised paw is raised in welcome. The lucky paw can welcome fortune, customers, luck, prosperity, financial wisdom, business growth, personal happiness. The upraised paw is also known as the beckoning paw.