“I got this for you,” said my friend, adding, “usually, one paw is in the air, but this one has two for double luck.” I had seen these cute white cats, sometimes gold, in Chinese restaurants and businesses; however, they actually originate from Japan. The lucky cat, based on a Japanese bobtail, is called maneki neko, which translates to “beckoning cat.” As my friend said, one paw is generally up. A raised right paw attracts money and wealth, while the raised left paw brings customers and friends. The raised paw waves up and down, which I thought was saying goodbye. However, maneki neko is not waving in the way Westerners interpret, but rather it’s beckoning the way people in Japan do with palm front and fingers down. My solar-powered kitty moves both arms to beckon good luck while protecting me from evil spirits. I found two locations in my home for my maneki neko — in front of an east side window in the morning and a west facing window in the afternoon. And you should see those little paws go! Japanese people believe that cats have power and symbolize wealth and peacefulness. My lucky cat is a sign of good luck to come and the good fortune to have such a thoughtful friend.

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