The Maneki Neko does more than decorate. This Japanese lucky cat attracts wealth and good fortune—but only when placed correctly.
Place your Maneki Neko near your home's entrance facing the door, in your living room at eye level, or on your office desk. The cat needs to see the room to welcome prosperity.
This guide shows you exactly where to position your lucky cat, which colors work best, and which spots to avoid.
The History Behind the Lucky Cat
The beckoning cat first appeared in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868). Legend tells of a temple cat that waved its paw at a wealthy lord during a storm. He followed the cat inside moments before lightning struck the spot where he'd stood.
The lord became a patron of the temple. The Maneki Neko became a symbol of good fortune.
Read also: Cultural Significance of Lucky Cats (Maneki-Meko) Explained and Its Impact on Tradition
What the Raised Paw Means
The raised paw determines what the cat attracts:
A left-pawed cat beckons customers and visitors—ideal for businesses.
A right-pawed cat invites money and personal wealth.
Cats with both paws raised double the welcome, though some consider this greedy.
The higher the paw, the greater distance from which it attracts fortune.
Feng Shui Placement Rules
Feng shui views the lucky cat as an energy magnet. For it to work, energy must flow freely around it.
The Southeast Wealth Corner: Place a gold Maneki Neko here to strengthen financial stability. Face it toward the room, not the wall.
Living Room: A white lucky cat creates harmony. Set it on a shelf or table where it stays visible but uncluttered.
Entrance: The cat must face inward, welcoming positive energy as people enter. Eye level or slightly above works best.
Near Windows: Solar-powered waving cats benefit from natural light. Southeast windows combine both directional benefits.
Looking for a unique Maneki Neko that stands out? Discover hand painted Lucky Cats, inspired by the Japanese Maneki Neko figurines, with a twist of modern Pop Art.
Where NOT to Place Your Lucky Cat
Bedrooms need calm energy—not the active, wealth-attracting kind.
Corners trap energy and prevent the cat from doing its job.
Bathrooms and garbage areas drain positive energy.
Dark or shadowy spots separate fortune from the cat.
Business vs. Home Placement
Businesses: Position near cash registers or the entrance (right side preferred). Gold cats work best for retail shops.
Homes: The southeast wealth corner, living room shelf, or home office desk. Smaller cats blend better with residential decor.
Choosing the Right Color
Gold: Wealth and financial success—the classic choice for businesses.
White: Purity, new beginnings, fresh starts.
Black: Protection against negative energy. Place near entrances.
Green: Health and family well-being alongside prosperity.
Yellow: Happiness and optimism with steady income.
Red: Protection from illness, supporting family health.
Holidays Adjustments
Holiday energy shift requires repositioning. Move your lucky cat closer to where family gathers for holiday celebrations.
Place it near windows to welcome winter sunshine. Natural light enhances the cat's ability to attract positive energy during darker months.
Consider adding a gold or white cat for December. Gold attracts year-end financial blessings; white represents fresh starts for the new year.
Keep the cat away from cold drafts and heating vents. Stable temperatures support consistent energy flow.
Care and Maintenance
Dust blocks energy. Clean your lucky cat regularly with a soft cloth.
Keep the surrounding area uncluttered. Six inches of clear space around the cat works well.
Pair with complementary elements: a small water feature, healthy plants, or three to five bamboo stalks.
Quality ceramic or crystal enhances feng shui properties. Cheap materials lack energy resonance.
Now that you know where to place your lucky cat, find the perfect one. Discover hand painted Lucky Cats, inspired by the Japanese Maneki Neko figurines, with a twist of modern Pop Art.
