Pookie Cat Tarot (CAT-rot) cards - when divination met a cat

The Pookie Cat Tarot, also known as "CAT-rot," is a 78-card tarot deck created by artist Maria van Bruggen. Launched successfully on Kickstarter in 2016, the deck aims to infuse laughter and silliness into the practice of divination, making it suitable for those who appreciate a less serious approach to tarot. The deck is presented as a tool for daily inspiration and special spreads, with guidance provided in an accompanying digital booklet.

Each card features colorful and funny illustrations of PookieCat and friends, designed to hold surprising hidden meanings that encourage a lighthearted perspective on life's unpredictable moments. The creator emphasizes that looking at challenges through laughter can facilitate positive change. The deck's compact size of 6.5 x 9 cm (2.5 x 3.5 inches) is highlighted as being comfortable for smaller hands, addressing a common issue with larger tarot cards.

The Pookie Cat Tarot comes with a digital booklet, accessible via a QR code, and is packaged in a beautiful organza pouch. The campaign also offered add-ons such as custom hand-painted wooden boxes and a limited edition coloring book/wall calendar, reflecting the broader artistic universe of PookieCat, who has previously appeared in books, magazines, postcards, and even billboards promoting pet adoption.

This deck is ideal for cat lovers, individuals seeking a humorous and light-hearted approach to tarot, and those who prefer smaller, more manageable card sizes. It appeals to beginners who might find traditional tarot intimidating, as well as experienced readers looking for a whimsical, daily inspiration deck. It also suits collectors interested in unique, animal-themed decks with a distinct artistic style.

Maria van Bruggen is the artist behind the Pookie Cat Tarot. PookieCat, her creation, had a history of appearing in various media, including books, magazines, postcards, and billboards for pet adoption, before the tarot deck was conceived. The deck was a long-planned project, brought to fruition after many requests from fans, indicating a pre-existing audience for PookieCat's whimsical charm. Van Bruggen's motivation was to create a deck that brings laughter and a less serious perspective to life's challenges.