How to draw a Cat in 6 easy steps

In this drawing tutorial, we’ll guide you through creating a cat in just six straightforward steps. Each stage builds on the last, gradually shaping your sketch into a complete cat illustration. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll start by drawing the lines highlighted in red for each step, and as you progress, the lines from previous steps will appear in black to help you track your progress.

Before we jump into drawing, here are some fascinating cat facts you might enjoy:

Cats are beloved pets as well as wild animals found across the globe, thriving in forests, deserts, wetlands, and more.
They are skilled hunters, stalking small animals and birds using stealth, sharp claws, and keen eyesight, even in dim light.
Cats are incredibly agile and can leap more than six times their body height from a standstill.
A group of cats is known as a clowder or a glaring.
Cats dedicate nearly two-thirds of their waking hours to grooming, keeping their fur clean and regulating body temperature.
Their tails contain nearly 30 individual bones, aiding balance when jumping or climbing.
A cat’s nose is unique, much like a human fingerprint—no two cats share the same nose print.
Domestic cats cannot detect sweetness due to a genetic mutation.
The smallest cat breed is the Singapura, which may weigh just over 2 pounds fully grown.
The largest breed, the Maine Coon, can exceed 25 pounds and reach over 3.5 feet from nose to tail tip.

Here’s a BONUS: You can follow along with our video tutorial while using the step-by-step instructions below for guidance!

How to Draw a Cat – 6 Easy Steps

Step 1: Begin by sketching the top of the cat’s head, including one ear. This will form the starting point for your cat’s face.

Step 2: Draw the back of the head, curving toward where the body will be.

Step 3: Continue the outline down the cat’s back, marking the area where the tail will eventually extend.

Step 4: Sketch the cat’s chest, adding the front legs and the rear hind leg.

Step 5: Complete the paws at the front and back, giving the cat a solid foundation.

Step 6: Add the tail, and your simple sitting cat drawing is complete! Your cat should be resting on all four legs.

Congratulations! Your finished cat drawing should resemble this example.

Once your cat is fully outlined, you can use shading techniques to add depth and realism, giving your illustration a more lifelike appearance.

Well done! You’ve successfully drawn a cat. Your first attempt may not be perfect, but with a little practice, you’ll see noticeable improvement with each new drawing. Like most skills, learning to draw a cat takes patience and repetition—so keep practicing and have fun with it!