Female Owned · Artist Owned · River Falls, WI
A space where artistry, individuality, and self-expression come together — now at home in River Falls, Wisconsin, tucked just off Main Street near the Kinni River.
Inside the Shop · A Gallery of Oddities
The Collection
Gallery
Blackwork
Ravens
Blackwork raven sleeve wrapping both forearms with feathered linework and dotwork shading
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Four Resident Artists
Our Artists
Four resident artists work out of Black Cat Tattoo, each with their own book and their own specialties. Mention who you'd like to work with when you request an appointment.
Ava
Owner · Resident Artist
Blackwork Dark Art · Neo-Gothic · Black & Grey · Dotwork Botanical
AJ
Resident Artist
Fine Line · Etching · Blackwork · High Contrast
Karina
Resident Artist
Black & Grey · Neo-Traditional · Blackwork
London
Resident Artist
Blackwork
Guest Artists
We also host traveling guest artists throughout the year. Follow along or reach out to find out who's visiting the shop next and how to book with them.
The Studio
About Us
Black Cat Tattoo started in 2020 with the goal of creating a space where artistry, individuality, and self-expression could come together. Proudly female owned and artist owned, our studio is run by four resident tattoo artists.
After years of growth and change, we've found our home in River Falls, Wisconsin, tucked away just off Main Street near the Kinni River. While our location has changed, our commitment to creating meaningful, high-quality tattoos and a welcoming experience has remained the same.
Our Goal
To create a tattoo experience that feels personal, comfortable, and inspiring — giving both our artists and clients the space to express themselves through art. We believe tattooing is more than simply putting art on skin — it's a form of storytelling, self-expression, and connection.
- ✦ 4 resident tattoo artists
- ✦ Appointment only
- ✦ Walk-ins based on artist availability
- ✦ Single-use sterile everything
- ✦ Vegan inks available
Our Craft
Styles We Tattoo
- ✦Blackwork & Dotwork
- ✦Fine Line & Etching
- ✦Dark Ornamental
- ✦Neo-Traditional
- ✦Black & Grey Illustrative
- ✦Cover-ups & Reworks
Shop minimum $100 · Custom pieces by consultation · Tattoos only — no piercings
Healing Your Piece
Aftercare, Briefly
Your artist will send you home wrapped — here's the short version. Full detail lives on our aftercare page.
Derm Shield
Clear film · Saniderm / Second Skin
- ✦ Keep the film on for 24 hours — colored liquid underneath is normal.
- ✦ Wash hands, then peel slowly under running water.
- ✦ Expect only light flaking — never pick or peel it.
- ✦ Allergic to adhesive? Tell us beforehand for an alternative.
Traditional Wrap
Saran wrap / Tattoo Armour
- ✦ Remove the wrap after 2–3 hours.
- ✦ Wash gently with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap.
- ✦ Dab — don't rub — with a clean towel, then air dry.
- ✦ Moisturize and wear clean, breathable clothing.
- ✦ Wash with unscented liquid soap — Dial Gold (pump) or diluted Dr. Bronner's. No bar soap.
- ✦ No swimming, hot tubs, baths, sun, gym equipment, or shaving for 2 weeks.
- ✦ Keep pets away from your fresh tattoo — wash immediately if they touch it.
- ✦ Moisturize fragrance-free only: Lubriderm, Eucerin, or an organic ointment — never petroleum-heavy.
- ✦ Signs of infection? Email us and seek medical assistance.
How do I wash my new tattoo?
Unscented liquid soap and warm water — Dial Antibacterial Gold (pump) or diluted Dr. Bronner's. No bar soap. Blot dry with a clean towel or paper towel, never rub, then apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion.
Which products should I use — and avoid?
Use fragrance-free lotion: Lubriderm, Eucerin, or an all-organic ointment. Avoid petroleum-heavy products like Vaseline, and anything scented. We also carry aftercare products at the shop.
What should I avoid while healing?
For at least two weeks: no swimming, hot tubs, baths, sun exposure, gym equipment, or shaving over the tattoo. Keep pets off the fresh tattoo, and never pick or peel flaking skin.
Derm Shield or traditional wrap?
Derm Shield is a breathable waterproof film worn for 24 hours with little to no scabbing. Traditional saran wrap or Tattoo Armour comes off after 2–3 hours and needs washing right away. If adhesives bother your skin, tell your artist beforehand and we'll wrap you traditionally.
What's normal, and when should I worry?
Normal: redness, warmth, mild swelling, itching, and light flaking in the first week or two. Not normal: spreading redness, red streaking, yellow or green pus, foul odor, worsening pain after day three, or fever — email us and seek medical care.
You're responsible for your tattoo once you leave the shop — follow your artist's aftercare.
Before You Book
Questions
How do I make an appointment?
Reaching out to a specific tattoo artist is always recommended. Otherwise, the best way is to reach us directly by email at BlackCatTattooStudioInfo@gmail.com, call/text 715-410-3802, or fill out the request form under the booking section on this page.
Are you appointment only? Do you take walk-ins?
Yes, we are appointment only. Walk-ins are sometimes available depending on each artist's schedule that day — if someone has an opening or a cancellation, we'll happily fill it. Always call or text 715-410-3802 first to check before making the drive.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to secure a booking and is applied to the final price of your tattoo. Deposits secure the artist's time preparing for your appointment.
Can I talk to an artist first?
Absolutely — you are always welcome to schedule a consultation with any artist. Talking face to face helps set each person's expectations. Consults usually take 20–30 minutes and we go over our process. Consultations require a deposit to book the tattoo appointment, and deposits are non-refundable. Consultations are recommended for custom designs to align on vision and pricing.
What are your hours?
Since we're appointment only, each artist keeps their own schedule. We do not have strict hours — appointment times vary artist to artist. Reach out and we'll coordinate a time that works.
How much do you charge for a tattoo?
Each artist has their own hourly rate, which covers the artist's time and supplies for the tattoo service. Shop minimum is $100 unless there's a special flash promotion. Flat rates or day rates can also be accommodated. Always reach out with questions, or request a face-to-face consultation for the best estimate on placement, detail, and sizing.
How old do I have to be? What ID do I need?
You must be 18 years old or older for tattoos — no exceptions. Valid ID includes a state-issued driver's license, state ID, or passport to prove your age. The artist must get your signed, informed consent on a state-approved form before tattooing.
Can I use numbing cream?
Each artist is different — but we only allow certain brands. We don't want you to purchase a numbing cream that isn't FDA certified or has harmful chemicals. We suggest brands like Tattoo Numbing Co., Mad Rabbit, or brands we carry at the shop when in stock. Please talk to your artist before applying numbing cream, and follow the directions.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Get a good night's rest, eat a full meal, and stay hydrated. Do not drink alcohol or take blood-thinning medications 24 hours prior, and avoid sun exposure or tanning for 2 weeks before. Inform your artist of any medical conditions, allergies (specifically to ink, latex, or adhesive), or if you are pregnant or nursing — we will NOT tattoo you if you are pregnant or nursing. Your skin should be healthy: sunburned, irritated, or broken-out skin cannot be tattooed.
Do you do piercings?
No — we do not currently offer piercings. Black Cat Tattoo is dedicated to tattooing only.
Is the shop clean and licensed?
Our mission is to provide sterile, safe, and quality tattoo services for our clients. All artists are Bloodborne Pathogen certified and Licensed Tattoo Artists. We believe every tattoo should be thoughtfully curated for you.
Where are you located?
124 N Riverwalk Aly, River Falls, WI — on Main Street, right next to the Kinni River and about 30 minutes from the Twin Cities. Use the Get Directions button below for turn-by-turn navigation.
Request an Appointment
Tell us about your idea and we'll get back to you by email. The more detail you give, the faster we can quote and schedule.
Pay Us a Visit
Appointment only — walk-ins are available depending on artist schedule. Please contact us with any questions.
Location
124 N Riverwalk Aly
River Falls, WI
On Main Street · Next to the Kinni River · 30 mins from the Twin Cities
Hours
Appointment Only
Walk-ins when artists are available
Busy Season on Main Street
Location
Parking on Main Street is limited — especially on weekends. Plan a few extra minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- ✦Easiest option: park at Heritage Park, then walk across the bridge to Black Cat Tattoo.
- ✦Closer in: we have our own parking nearby, but weekends on Main Street get packed.
124 N Riverwalk Aly · River Falls, WI 54022
Get DirectionsSocials
Follow the Familiar
See the latest work, guest artist announcements, and flash drops before they book up.