Maneki Neko

I like peering into windows as I walk, seeing what people put on display, either for the benefit of passers-by or people in the room itself.

Apparently, the gnomes are to be enjoyed from within, while the cat faces the outside world. Of course, these types of cats (maneki neko) don't face outward for mere decoration; they are meant to attract certain types of luck. While they're an extremely common sight in Vancouver, this is the first time I've seen one in a private residence in London. The meaning of the beckoning cat depends on many factors, including which paw(s) is/ are raised and the cat's colour. This one uses its left paw to invite people (strange for a residence, since this usually means in the sense of customers for a business) as well as wealth (signified by the gold colour) into the home. I'm not exactly sure how many people passing on this humble street will satisfy the kitty on both counts!