Cat's Eye Tarot

Cat's Eye Tarot - tarot structure with cats as narrators

Some decks copy the tarot exactly. Others translate the symbols. This deck does the second. The Rider-Waite structure stays recognisable, but instead of human figures you see cats. It works because cat behaviour and tarot meanings align naturally.

The deck is designed by Debra M. Givin, a veterinarian who specialises in cats. She used her knowledge of feline behaviour to translate the classic images into situations cats recognise: hunting, sleeping, playing, defending territory.

What you see on the cards

The style is realistic. Not stylised animals, but cats as you see them in daily life. The colours are bright, the backgrounds natural. The four suits are translated into prey animals: mice for pentacles, birds for swords, fish for cups, reptiles for wands.

That choice makes the cards tell something about the element immediately. A cat with a mouse approaches the world from security and ownership. A cat with a bird shows tension and sharp focus. It works intuitively.

The 64-page guidebook gives short descriptions per card and explains the translation. There are also a few spreads, written for beginners.

Who this deck is made for

This deck is designed for people who want to learn the Rider-Waite tarot and feel more at home with animals than with human figures. The cards follow the classic structure, so you can place any Rider-Waite guidebook next to them.

It also works for those who already read tarot and want a lighter deck. The symbolism stays intact, but the atmosphere is less heavy.

When laying the cards, pay attention to the cat's posture. A relaxed cat in the sun tells something different from a cat staring at a bird with pricked ears. That body language is often the first thing you notice.

About Debra M. Givin

Debra M. Givin works as a veterinarian with a specialisation in cats. She designed this deck from her knowledge of feline behaviour and her interest in tarot. The illustrations are her own and show she knows cats well: the postures, the looks, the ways they respond to their surroundings.

Specifications

• Number of cards: 78
• Card size: 120 x 70 mm
• Language: English
• Guidebook: 64 pages, English
• Publisher: U.S. Games Systems
• Cardstock: Glossy, sturdy
• Design: Debra M. Givin

Questions we often get

Does this deck follow the Rider-Waite structure?
Yes. The order, meanings and build of the cards are based on the Rider-Waite system. Only the figures are replaced with cats and the symbols with prey animals.

Can the cards be used without the guidebook?
Yes, if you already know the Rider-Waite tarot. The images are recognisable enough to interpret yourself. For beginners the guidebook is useful to understand the translation.