First impression:
So cute! The images are adorable, with approachable characters, and surprisingly faithful to the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition. It initially looks like a novelty deck, but quickly proves to be a great reading tool.
Who it’s for:
To be fair I think everybody can get something out of it. From beginners, to cat lovers, and experienced readers looking for a lighter, more playful companion deck.
Strength:
Excellent balance between cute artwork and recognizable RWS symbolism.
Limitation:
Readers who prefer serious, esoteric, or highly symbolic artwork may find the playful style less immersive.
Creators:
Wyspell (artist not individually credited publicly). I have quite a few Wyspell decks and they all are amazing quality.
Artwork and aesthetic
Style:
Whimsical digital illustrations featuring expressive cats recreating classic RWS scenes.
Tone:
Warm, humorous, comforting, optimistic.
You’ll like this deck if:
You enjoy cats.
You want a friendly RWS deck.
You appreciate decks that don’t take themselves too seriously.
You may not like this deck if:
You prefer dark occult aesthetics.
You enjoy abstract symbolism.
You want historically faithful artwork.
Readability
Clarity:
Very high. Most cards closely follow traditional Rider–Waite symbolism, making interpretation intuitive. And they are so cute that they bring a smile to my face every time I look at them.
Difficulty:
Easy, but do carry deep meaning.
Short verdict:
One of the easiest themed decks to read without constantly reaching for the guidebook.
System and structure
Rider–Waite-Smith based:
Yes, very closely.
Minor Arcana:
Fully illustrated, preserving traditional scenes with feline reinterpretations.
Notes:
The symbolism remains familiar enough that anyone already comfortable with RWS can switch effortlessly.
Physical feel
Size:
Standard 12.1 × 7 cm (≈ 4.76 × 2.75 inches)
Card stock:
Premium 400 gsm cardstock with gold-gilded edges.
Finish:
Semi-matte to matte finish with smooth handling, a pleasure to shuffle and work with them. My pictures do not do them justice, the colors on the actual cards are bright and vivid. Also they come in a good, sturdy box. They have a very helpful booklet of meanings supporting them.
Short verdict:
Feels more premium than the price or theme suggest.
Scores
Artwork: 9/10
Readability: 9/10
Usability: 9/10
Depth: 8/10
One-line summary:
A charming cat-themed deck that never sacrifices practical readability for cuteness.
My reading experience
Situation:
Guidance.
Cards drawn:
Shadow (The shadow you’re facing.): Nine of Swords
Resource (The inner resource you already possess.): Strength
Gift (The gift waiting on the other side.): The Star
Interpretation:
If we were to replace interpretation with reflective questions for this reading they might be something like these (just examples, the are many others we could use.)
Nine of Swords- What fear am I treating as a certainty rather than a possibility?
Strength- How can I respond to this situation with courage instead of control?
The Star- What part of me is ready to heal and believe again?
The Tarot is great for introspection and meditation.
Personality of the deck
If this deck were a person:
A wise friend who always arrives with a cat on their lap and a reassuring cup of tea and a kind word or a ‘dad’ joke.
If this deck had a voice:
Gentle, playful, encouraging, occasionally sarcastic.
If this deck had a mood:
Cozy Sunday afternoon.
Longevity
First impression vs later use:
Initially bought for the artwork, but its practical readability gives it staying power.
Does it become repetitive:
Not particularly. The familiar RWS structure continues to reveal nuances through repeated readings… and it is so uplifting!
Does it deepen over time:
Yes. While visually lighthearted, the symbolism supports increasingly sophisticated interpretations.
Comparison
Similar to:
Traditional Rider–Waite–Smith, Cat Tarot-style themed decks, beginner-friendly modern decks.
Key difference:
Unlike many novelty animal decks, this one preserves enough of the original visual language that experienced readers rarely need to reinterpret the cards from scratch.
Final personal verdict
Would I keep this deck:
Yes.
Would I recommend it:
Absolutely, especially as a first deck or a comforting secondary deck, or for those working with children.
Who should definitely buy it:
Cat lovers.
Beginners.
Readers who enjoy warm, approachable imagery.
Anyone looking for a cheerful everyday deck.
Who should avoid it:
Readers seeking dense occult symbolism, darker aesthetics, or highly experimental tarot systems.
Closing thought:
This deck succeeds because it understands that accessibility doesn’t have to come at the expense of meaningful readings. Beneath the playful feline artwork is a remarkably competent RWS interpretation that is as enjoyable to use as it is to admire.
My favorite card:
