The Maneki Neko cat, also known as the welcoming cat, lucky cat, or cat that brings abundance, prosperity, and money, is a Japanese figurine 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 Koban. 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 in Japanese means 'to invite someone in' or 'to greet'. Neko means 'cat'. Together, they mean 'cat that invites people to come in'. According to Japanese tradition, the message this cat conveys with its paw is: 'Please come in. You are welcome.'