Feng Shui Cats vs Maneki Neko Cats

Yes, there are Feng shui cats and they look a bit like Maneki Neko cats. I think the former is a spin off from the latter but I might well be completely wrong, and probably am. You'll see Feng shui cats in Japan, China and Hong Kong, apparently. The Maneki Neko cat or beckoning cat is famous in Japan. It is thought to bring good luck and is placed outside shops etc. to improve the financial fortunes of the business.

Feng shui, for me (layman's terms) is the science (art?) of improving the home environment through the positioning, placement and selection of items of furniture and furnishings. The improved environment thereby improves the well-being of the people living in the environment. I think it works because it is common sense really.

A Feng shui cat is a spin on this science, it seems to me. I don't see how it can truly be part of the Feng shui concept because a single item on a shelf cannot improve the environment especially if it is a red, rotund plastic or china cat! But nonetheless it is a very cute looking cat.

The Maneki Neko cat is based on the Japanese Bobtail, a well known purebred cat with a long history in Japan. It is Japan's iconic domestic cat.

Photos: Feng shui cats by Bahi on Flickr -- Maneki Neko cat by Nemo's great uncle on Flickr. The cats in the picture were sold in the British Museum, London by the way.