The Maneki Neko cat, also known as the welcoming cat or lucky cat, is a Japanese sculpture believed to bring good luck to its owner.

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

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