Stray Cat Tattoo

I went in to get my lip pierced and it was awesome. Both JJ (who did my actual piercing) and John (who downsized for me) are really awesome and really listen to what you say and talk to you. I was going to get a tattoo from there but the artists weren’t interested in doing my tattoo. The only reason this place is getting 3 stars is because they were a LITTLE rude about it. If you can’t do my tattoo, don’t laugh at it and point out everything that’s too hard for you about it. Just say it’s beyond your skill set and politely say that you’ll pass :)

Clean and friendly yes, but unless you want to pay your first born child and a leg ot two for a tattoo (despite size) than walk away and drive away from anywhere near here. I’d suggest the trip to KC cause these prices are insane.

I can’t say enough good things about Stay Cat Tattoo.
After making my move from California to Kansas, I was in doubt that I would find a tattoo shop to call home. I was pleasantly surprised that Kansas has this gem. Since finding Stay Cat, and Robert, I have 6 new tattoos that range in size and complexity.
When I first met Robert, I didn’t quite know what to think of him. He comes off as slightly stern. He’s very serious about his work but he’s also a hoot and a half. I really enjoy talking with him. He is amazing to work with, he really knows his stuff. When my friend and I went in for matching tattoos, we gave him the general color scheme we were shooting for, and he suggested the best complimentary colors for us to use. Not knowing much about matching and what colors look well next to each other, I took Robert’s suggestion and it turned out beautifully. I’ve also had Robert do some intense detailed work for me. I brought in a note that my dad wrote me before his passing and had Robert put it on my ankle, it turned out so spot-​on it brought a tear to my eye! I’m going to continue going to Robert until I leave Kansas because there’s no point in me going anywhere else.
The rest of the staff is also very amazing. I love that they’re so friendly and absolutely real. They will give you their honest opinion on everything. For example: During one of my sessions, there was a female who came in and for her 18^th b-​day wanted a tattoo, didn’t want anything big because of her fear of pain, and didn’t know what she wanted. Her mom told her to look at one of the flash art books and pick something while the mom tried to make an appointment for the same day. JJ talked to both of them about how getting something with no meaning, on a whim, and getting it small simply because she’s afraid of pain, may not be worth the life long commitment. He wasn’t discouraging her from getting a tattoo, but he wanted to inform them of the process and help them think beyond the «in this moment» excitement. They agreed that she should think about this more and thanked him for his time.
Stray Cat isn’t about just making a profit. They are all about giving people the quality service they deserve.

I don’t think there is enough good things that I can say about this place. I got my first tattoo here a couple months ago and went back to get my nipples pierced yesterday. Being a 19 year old girl both of these experiences were very intimidating but everyone I encountered in the shop COULD NOT have done more to help make the situation as comfortable for me as possible. Seriously they are all awesome and I am 110% happy with the work they did. I never would have thought being topless in a room with two guys older than me would be anything but awkward but they made it perfectly comfortable and were nothing but professional about it. They explained the whole process to me step by step and made it clear that no questions I could have had would be dumb questions. The place is spotless and an overall really good atmosphere. I can’t recommend this place enough, seriously, 2 great experiences and 4 great people that I’ve interacted with there.

As promised, I «defiantly» went back (12÷18÷12) AND this time I brought a friend! She got a nose (loop) piercing and I got a VCH piercing (bar). John made the atmosphere very calm and at home (which is something you REALLY want when getting a VCH). He explained everything in detail. He informed me of several different ways to contact him in the event I have a question about anything. The only «hiccup» that we had is that we waited 2 hours for the shop to open after it was set to open at noon. Not deducting for this because it was worth the wait. WILL be going back for another set of cartilages :)
Earlier Review 8÷16÷2012
I called earlier this week to see about getting a second set of cartilage (ear) piercings. The gentleman on the phone was very polite and informative. He informed me that Wednesdays and Thursdays are the piercers day off but he would be in this Thursday and would be willing to do them anyway if I came in before 4. As this was my children’s first full day back to school I was excited he agreed to do it!
I was warmly welcomed by all of the artists and felt very «at home». This is a great thing when someone is about to stick you with a few needles. I watched him open everything (to include the jewelry) and step by step was explained to me before it was done. I also inquired about some ink work and another type of piercing and they were beyond willing to explain and discuss the work. I WILL DEFINITELY be going back!!!

This is as clean a shop with as friendly a staff as you will find anywhere, let alone Manhattan, Kansas. They obviously have a good customer base as I had to schedule my work four weeks in advance. They came highly recommended from multiple friends, and certainly did not disappoint.
I brought in my own design and Robert worked his magic to put his awesome black and grey work on my arm. Though a previous reviewer said he was not a talkative dude, we had a pretty good 1 ½ conversation while having my work done. He was diligent in ensuring it was just what I wanted. I chalk up the lack of pain and fast recovery time to his good work as well. I will definitely be back to have more work done at Stray Cat!

I went in to talk to them in May, and they were taking appointments for July because they were booked solid. It was worth the wait. I brought in two drawings of bees from a text book, Robert drew something from those ideas with amazing results. The detail on both bees is incredible, very intricate and clear. He did something magical to the wings, they appear iridescent.
Robert is quiet, not grumpy, just quiet. He focused on the artwork he was inking into my skin, not on chit-​chat. If you want a chatty person, Robert is not the artist for you. However, if you want a brilliant piece of artwork on your body, then Robert is your guy.
Go in for a consultation, take photos or drawings with you, and TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE.

When you live in Manhattan, KS you really only have two choices for getting some ink, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get quality work, especially if you go to Stray Cat.
The shop is pretty small, but since they only have two ink-​slingers working there, you don’t really notice. They usually have some thrash on (psycho-​billy if Matt’s in the shop by himself) and the staff is friendly (especially for the volume of customers they get, as they are located in a college town) and patient. I’m pretty sure they spend most of the day doing butterflies, hearts and four leave clovers for the sororistitutes that come in on their 21^st birthday, so if you have something decent/​different to get, I’m sure they’d appreciate it. Not that they mind getting close to young college girls or anything, but after a hundred or so Chinese symbols for Love on the lower back — they’re probably ready for a change.
While in the shop, I’ve seen regional bands stop by to get some ink done and talked to people from all over the Midwest who make it a point to come to little Manhattan, KS just to get their work done at Stray Cat.
Of the two artists, I’ve only had tattoos done by Matt, the shop’s apprentice. The other guy (I can’t remember his name) is real, real, real good, especially when it comes to black & white pieces, I’ve seen some of his work in magazines and around Manhattan and its serious business, but I liked Matt’s style a little more. It’s not as dark and it just fit what I was looking for. Plus he’s a little more talkative, which is nice when you’re sitting in the chair for a couple of hours. He’s done two pieces for me and I’ve been extremely satisfied with both. Unfortunately I’ve moved from Manhattan since then, but I highly recommend the place and guarantee you won’t be disappointed if you go.
They’re also highly recommended for piercing. I’ve never gotten one myself, but I’ve heard from friends that they do a great job and the guy who does the piercing — I think his name is John, is a really cool cat with tons of piercings himself.
The only downside is that the place is kind of intimidating at first, but don’t worry, they’re actually very friendly and respectful of the craft and their customers.