The Maneki Neko cat, also known as the lucky cat or the cat that brings abundance, prosperity, and money, is a Japanese sculpture that is believed to bring good luck to its owner.

The cat usually raises its paw and beckons people to come in, holding an ancient Japanese coin, the Kobun. The lucky Maneki Neko cat wears a necklace with a bell, which is believed to ward off evil spirits.

The word Maneki comes from the verb 'maneku' which means in Japanese 'to invite someone in' or 'to greet'. Neko means 'cat'. Together they mean 'cat that invites people in'. According to Japanese tradition, the message conveyed by this cat with its paw is: 'Please come in. You are welcome.'