How to Draw a Rat (Easy Step by Step)
This round little rat is built from a few easy shapes: a big pear for the body, two circles for the ears, and a long curvy line for the tail. The dot eyes and tiny smile give it a sweet face that is fun to draw again and again.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a rat step by step
How to Draw a Rat · 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: Body, ear, and tail
Draw a big, plump pear shape for the body with a round bump at the top right for the ear. Then add a long, thin curved tail that starts at the lower right of the body and curves up along the right side.
Step 3: The left ear
Draw a round circle for the second ear at the top left of the head. Let it tuck in against the head line.
Step 4: Little feet
Along the bottom of the tummy, draw two small half circles for the feet. They peek out below the bottom line like tiny bumps.
Step 5: Round eyes
Draw two round dots for the eyes. Keep them wide apart, a little below the top of the head.
Step 6: Nose and mouth
Between the eyes and a little lower, draw a tiny wiggly line for the nose and mouth.
Step 7: Whiskers
On the left side of the face, draw two short lines that stick out sideways like whiskers.
Step 8: Tiny paws
On the tummy, draw two small hook shapes, like the letters J and L, for the paws held up in front.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your rat? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a fox or how to draw a hedgehog next.
Tips for drawing a rat
- Draw the body as a light oval first, then trace over it so the pear shape comes out smooth.
- The tail is drawn in the first step. Draw one long curve up the right side, then add the second line right beside it so the tail looks thin and flat.
- Keep the two ears about the same size and tuck them against the head so they look round and soft.
- Keep the nose and mouth tiny, and put the whiskers on just one side of the face.
Free rat coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this rat 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 rat drawing
Try soft gray or brown for the body and pink for the ears and the tail. For a creative twist, give your rat a piece of cheese to hold.
Rat fun fact for kids
A rat's front teeth never stop growing. Rats keep them worn down by gnawing on things all the time.
Questions about drawing a rat
What shapes do I need to draw a rat?
You need a big pear or oval for the body, two circles for the ears, two small half circles for the feet, and a long curvy line for the tail.
How do I make my rat look cuter?
Put the eyes wide apart and keep the mouth very small. Big round ears and a plump body also help.
How do I draw a rat tail?
Start at the lower right of the body and draw a long, gentle curve up along the right side. Then add a second line beside it so the tail has two edges.
