Tarot of the White Cats Mini - the Rider-Waite-Smith in feline form
Some decks interpret. This one translates. The cards follow the Rider-Waite-Smith structure closely, but all human figures have been replaced by white cats.
The result is lighter in tone than the original, but no less functional. The Tower remains the Tower, the High Priestess stays mysterious, the Eight of Swords still feels constricting. Only now with ears and whiskers.
What you see on the cards
Severino Baraldi drew the illustrations in a style that leans on classic tarot imagery. The colours are bright, the lines clear, and the symbolism sits where you expect it. The only difference: the cats behave like people.
That might sound like a gimmick, but it works. The cats are expressive enough to convey emotion without disrupting the symbolism. The Hanged Man hangs upside down, the Magician has his tools laid out, the Knight of Wands carries his staff upright.
The cards are printed on glossy, sturdy card stock. The mini format (50 x 81 mm) makes them slightly harder to shuffle if you have large hands, but they glide smoothly and are compact enough for a jacket or trouser pocket.
Who this works for
This deck is designed for people who want to use the Rider-Waite-Smith but prefer a lighter visual approach. It also works well as a second deck for travel.
Beginners can read this deck without difficulty. All standard Rider-Waite-Smith handbooks apply directly. Experienced readers who like cats often use it as a daily draw deck.
Pull a card and slip it into your phone case or wallet. The mini format makes that easy, and you carry a visual reminder with you all day.
About Pietro Alligo and Severino Baraldi
Pietro Alligo conceived the idea. He has worked for publisher Lo Scarabeo for decades and has dozens of tarot projects to his name.
Severino Baraldi drew the cards. His style is narrative and clear, with attention to composition and colour. He previously illustrated children's books and comic strips, which shows in the lively execution.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (Major and Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 50 x 81 mm (mini)
- Material: Glossy card stock
- Guidebook: Multilingual, including English
- Publisher: Lo Scarabeo
- Weight: 91 g
- Artist: Severino Baraldi
- Concept: Pietro Alligo
Questions we often get
Are the images different from the full-size version of this deck?
No. The illustrations are identical, only the format differs. You get the same imagery in a more compact size.
Is this deck easier to read than a traditional Rider-Waite-Smith?
Neither easier nor harder. The symbolism is exactly the same. The only difference is the visual execution: cats instead of people. Whether that helps or distracts depends on your own preference.
