Is Hello Kitty A maneki-neko?

I'm curious, could you clarify for me if Hello Kitty is indeed a representation of the traditional Japanese good luck charm known as the maneki-neko? I've noticed some similarities in their appearance, but I'm not entirely sure if there's a direct connection or if it's just a coincidence. Could you elaborate on the origins and symbolism of both Hello Kitty and the maneki-neko, and whether or not there's a definitive LINK between the two?