How to Draw a Cat (Easy Step by Step)
A sitting cat is a great first animal to draw because it is made from just a few simple shapes. You start with a head with pointy ears and an egg-shaped body, then add a tiny nose, whiskers and a curly tail. The whiskers and the happy smile give it lots of personality.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 10 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a cat step by step
How to Draw a Cat · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: Head top and ears
Draw the top of the cat's head as a wavy line with two pointy ears, with a small dip between them. Let each side curve down a little, and leave the bottom of the head open for now.
Step 3: The body
Under the head, draw a tall egg shape for the body, narrow at the top and wide and round at the bottom. Close the bottom with a flat, curved line so the cat can sit.
Step 4: The chin line
Draw a smooth curved line that joins the two sides of the head, dipping across the top of the body. This closes the bottom of the head, like a collar.
Step 5: Inner ears
Inside each ear, draw a small curved line that follows the outer edge, like a smaller ear tucked inside the big one.
Step 6: Eyes, nose and mouth
Draw two round dots for eyes, spaced apart. Between them and a little lower, draw a tiny upright line for the nose, then two small smile curves under it, like a letter w.
Step 7: The whiskers
On each cheek, draw three straight lines that fan out a little, like the rays of a sun. Make both sides match.
Step 8: The curly tail
Start at the side of the body near the bottom and draw a curve that sweeps out and up. Finish with a little hook at the end.
Step 9: Back paws
On both sides of the body near the bottom, draw a half circle that bulges outward and ends on the ground line. These are the cat's back feet peeking out.
Step 10: Front toes
At the bottom middle of the body, draw two short lines going up from the ground line. They make the front paws and toes. Make the left one a little longer.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your cat? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a bear or how to draw a frog on a lily pad next.
Tips for drawing a cat
- Draw the two ears the same height by placing the tips at the same level. Matching ears make the cat look friendly.
- Draw the egg-shaped body wide and round at the bottom so the cat looks like it is sitting down.
- The tail is the trickiest part. Draw one smooth curve first, then add a small hook at the end.
Free cat coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this cat coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your cat drawing
Try orange with white paws, or gray with dark stripes. For a creative twist, give your cat bright rainbow stripes.
Cat fun fact for kids
Adult cats sleep for about 12 to 16 hours every day.
Questions about drawing a cat
What shapes do I need to draw a cat?
You need a head with two pointy ears and an egg shape for the body. Add small dots for the eyes, a tiny line for the nose, and curved lines for the tail and paws.
How do I make my cat look cuter?
Place the eyes low and far apart on the face, and keep them as simple round dots. A small smile and a round, chubby body make the cat look extra sweet.
How do I draw whiskers that look even?
Draw the middle whisker first on each side, then add one above and one below it. Fanning them out a little keeps both sides matching.
