How to Draw Cute Cats: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 11 min read

Contents

Basic Shapes to Start Drawing Cats

Drawing Cute Cat Faces

Drawing Cat Bodies and Poses

Adding Details to Your Cat Drawings

Using Colors in Your Cat Drawings

Best Drawing Tools for Beginners

Inspirations and Resources

Creating a cute cat drawing is a fun and rewarding activity for beginners. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of drawing adorable felines, from basic shapes to adding intricate details and colors. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, you'll find this guide helpful and engaging.

Basic Shapes to Start Drawing Cats

Before diving into the world of cute cat drawings, it's important to understand the basic shapes that make up a cat's anatomy. By mastering these simple shapes, you'll be able to construct cat drawings with ease and confidence. Let's take a look at the three essential shapes to help you draw cats:

Circles and Ovals

Circles and ovals are the foundation of a cat's head and body. To begin:

  1. Draw a circle or oval for the head—this will serve as the base for the cat's facial features.
  2. Draw a larger oval for the body, connecting it to the head. This will be the main part of the cat's torso.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if your shapes aren't perfect at first. The key is to get comfortable with drawing these basic forms.

Triangles

Triangles are essential for drawing a cat's ears and tail. Here's how to incorporate them into your cute cat drawing:

  1. Draw two small triangles on top of the head for the ears, making sure they are evenly spaced.
  2. For the tail, draw a long, slightly curved triangle extending from the cat's body. You can make it as fluffy or sleek as you like.

Experiment with different triangle shapes and sizes to create various cat breeds and styles.

Rectangles

Rectangles help form a cat's legs and paws. To add them to your drawing:

  1. Draw two long rectangles for the front legs, connecting them to the bottom of the body oval.
  2. Add two shorter rectangles for the back legs, making sure they are proportionate to the front legs.
  3. Lastly, draw small rectangles or ovals for the paws at the end of each leg.

Now that you've got the basic shapes down, you're ready to add more detail to your cute cat drawing!

Drawing Cute Cat Faces

Now that you've mastered the basic shapes, it's time to bring your cute cat drawing to life by adding facial features. A cat's face is full of expression, and capturing that in your drawing is essential for creating an adorable feline friend. Let's explore each facial feature and how to draw them:

Eyes

Cat eyes are often large and expressive, making them a focal point in any cute cat drawing. To draw cat eyes, follow these steps:

  1. Draw two almond-shaped ovals on the head, spaced evenly apart.
  2. Add a circle inside each oval for the iris, and a smaller circle inside the iris for the pupil.
  3. Draw a small curved line above each eye for the eyelid, giving your cat a more expressive look.

Feel free to experiment with different eye shapes and sizes to give your cat a unique personality.

Nose

A cat's nose is small and triangular, adding a touch of cuteness to their face. Here's how to draw a cat nose:

  1. Draw an upside-down triangle in the center of the face, just below the eyes.
  2. Add two small curved lines on either side of the triangle to form the nostrils.

Remember, you can adjust the size and shape of the nose to suit your cat's breed and style.

Mouth

When drawing a cute cat mouth, think of it as a small "W" shape. To draw the mouth, follow these simple steps:

  1. Draw a small "V" shape just below the nose.
  2. Add two curved lines extending from the bottom of the "V" to create the cat's smile.

Feel free to play with the mouth shape to give your cat a happy, surprised, or even grumpy expression.

Whiskers

No cute cat drawing is complete without whiskers! To add whiskers to your cat's face, simply follow these guidelines:

  1. Draw three to four thin, curved lines extending from each side of the cat's nose.
  2. Make sure the whiskers are evenly spaced and extend outward in a fan-like pattern.

With the facial features in place, your cute cat drawing is really starting to come together! Next, let's focus on drawing the cat's body and various poses.

Drawing Cat Bodies and Poses

With the cute cat face complete, it's time to move on to the body and different poses. Cats are known for their graceful movements and various poses, so let's explore how to draw a sitting, standing, and laying cat.

Sitting

Drawing a sitting cat is a great starting point for beginners. To draw a sitting cat, follow these steps:

  1. Draw an oval for the body, connecting it to the head.
  2. Add two triangles on top of the body for the front legs, with the wider end at the top and the narrower end at the bottom.
  3. Draw two curved lines for the back legs, with one line extending from the back of the body and the other connecting to the front legs.
  4. Add a long, curved tail extending from the back of the body.

Now you have a cute sitting cat! Experiment with different body shapes and sizes to create various cat breeds and styles.

Standing

Standing cats showcase their elegance and poise. To draw a standing cat, follow these instructions:

  1. Draw a horizontal oval for the body, connecting it to the head.
  2. Add four long, thin rectangles for the legs, making sure they're evenly spaced and of equal length.
  3. Draw small ovals at the bottom of each leg for the paws, adding small lines to indicate the toes.
  4. Add a long, curved tail extending from the back of the body.

With these simple steps, you've created a cute standing cat. Feel free to play around with leg lengths and tail shapes to give your cat a unique appearance.

Laying

Laying cats are known for their relaxed and cozy poses. To draw a laying cat, follow these steps:

  1. Draw an oval for the body, connecting it to the head.
  2. Add two curved lines for the front legs, with one line extending from the front of the body and the other connecting to the back legs.
  3. Draw two more curved lines for the back legs, following the shape of the body and connecting to the front legs.
  4. Add a long, curved tail extending from the back of the body, either tucked around the cat or stretched out.

Now you have a cute laying cat! Experiment with different poses and leg positions to create a variety of relaxed feline friends.

With the cat faces, bodies, and poses drawn, it's time to add some details to make your cute cat drawing stand out even more!

Adding Details to Your Cat Drawings

With the basics of cute cat drawing down, it's time to elevate your artwork by adding details like fur texture, stripes, spots, and collars. These details will make your cat drawings more realistic and engaging.

Fur Texture

Adding fur texture is a simple yet effective way to bring your cat drawings to life. Here's how:

  • Short fur: Use short, quick strokes around the outline of your cat to create the appearance of short fur.
  • Long fur: Draw longer, flowing lines around the outline, particularly around the neck, chest, and tail areas, to create the look of long fur.

Remember to vary your line lengths and follow the natural curve of your cat's body to achieve a realistic fur texture.

Stripes and Spots

Every cat has a unique pattern, so experiment with stripes and spots to make your cute cat drawing one of a kind. Here are some ideas:

  • Stripes: Draw thin, curved lines along the cat's body, tail, and legs, following the natural contours of the cat's shape. Vary the length and thickness of the lines for a more realistic effect.
  • Spots: Draw small circles, ovals, or irregular shapes on the cat's body to create a spotted pattern. Vary the size and placement of the spots for a more natural appearance.

Don't be afraid to mix and match stripes and spots to create your own unique cat patterns!

Collars

Adding a collar to your cute cat drawing can give it a touch of personality and charm. To draw a collar, simply follow these steps:

  1. Draw a thin, curved rectangle around the base of the cat's neck, following the curve of the neck.
  2. Add a small, elongated rectangle extending from the collar for the collar's end.
  3. Draw a small circle or square in the center of the collar for the buckle or tag, adding any desired details like a heart shape or initials.

Experiment with different collar styles, colors, and accessories to give your cat character and flair.

With your cute cat drawing now full of details, it's time to bring it to life with color!

Using Colors in Your Cat Drawings

Color is an essential aspect of making your cute cat drawing stand out and appear more lifelike. In this section, we'll explore color palettes, shading, and highlights to enhance your artwork.

Color Palettes

Choosing the right colors for your cat drawing can make a big difference in its overall appearance. Consider these tips when selecting your color palette:

  • Natural colors: Look at real-life cat photos for inspiration and choose colors that mimic their fur, such as various shades of brown, gray, and orange.
  • Unusual colors: You can also experiment with more imaginative colors like blue, green, or purple. This will make your cat drawing unique and eye-catching.
  • Monochromatic: Using different shades of the same color can create a striking effect and add depth to your drawing.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to choosing colors for your cute cat drawing, so feel free to let your creativity shine!

Shading

Shading adds depth and dimension to your cat drawing, making it appear more realistic. Keep these tips in mind when adding shading to your artwork:

  • Light source: Determine the direction of your light source, and shade the areas opposite to it.
  • Gradual shading: Start with a lighter touch and gradually increase the pressure on your drawing tool to create a smooth transition from light to dark.
  • Blending: Use your finger, a blending stump, or a tissue to blend your shading for a softer, more natural effect.

Practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to experiment with different shading techniques to find what works best for your cute cat drawing.

Highlights

Adding highlights to your cat drawing can make it appear more three-dimensional and emphasize certain features. To create highlights, follow these steps:

  1. Identify the areas directly facing the light source, such as the top of the head, nose, and cheeks.
  2. Using a lighter color or an eraser, add small, subtle marks to these areas to create the appearance of light reflecting off the fur.
  3. Blend the highlights with the surrounding colors to create a smooth transition.

With your colors, shading, and highlights in place, your cute cat drawing is now complete and ready to impress!

Best Drawing Tools for Beginners

As a beginner, you might be wondering which drawing tools are best suited for creating your cute cat drawing. In this section, we'll cover pencils, markers, and digital tools—each with their own benefits and unique characteristics.

Pencils

Pencils are a classic choice for beginners, as they offer control and versatility. Here are some tips on choosing the right pencils for your cute cat drawing:

  • Graphite pencils: These come in various hardness grades, from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). For beginners, a range of HB, 2B, and 4B pencils is a good starting point.
  • Colored pencils: These are perfect for adding color to your drawing. Look for high-quality, blendable colored pencils for the best results.
  • Mechanical pencils: If you prefer a consistent line width and don't want to sharpen your pencil frequently, mechanical pencils are a great option.

Markers

Markers can add bold, vibrant colors to your cute cat drawing and are especially useful for larger pieces. Consider these factors when choosing markers:

  • Tip type: Markers come with different tip types, such as fine, chisel, and brush. Brush tips are popular among artists for their flexibility and ability to create both thin and thick lines.
  • Water-based vs. alcohol-based: Water-based markers are easier to blend and have less odor, while alcohol-based markers offer more vibrant colors and work better on various surfaces.
  • Color range: Look for marker sets with a wide range of colors to give you more options when creating your cute cat drawing.

Digital Tools

Digital drawing tools, such as tablets and drawing software, allow you to create, edit, and share your artwork with ease. Some advantages of digital tools include:

  • Undo and redo: Digital tools allow you to easily correct mistakes or make adjustments to your drawing, which can be a big help for beginners.
  • Layers: You can work on different parts of your cute cat drawing separately, making it easier to experiment with colors and shading without affecting the rest of your illustration.
  • Access to brushes and tools: Digital software offers a wide variety of brushes and tools that mimic traditional art materials, giving you endless possibilities to create your perfect cute cat drawing.

Ultimately, the best drawing tools for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of art you enjoy creating. Experiment with different tools and find what works best for your cute cat drawings.

Inspirations and Resources

When learning how to draw cute cats, it's important to gather inspiration and resources to help you develop your skills. In this section, we'll share some artist spotlights, books, and online resources that can serve as a guide and source of inspiration for your cute cat drawings.

Artist Spotlight

Studying the work of other artists can give you ideas and inspiration for your own cute cat drawings. Some artists known for their adorable cat illustrations include:

  • Chihiro Howe: Chihiro's cat illustrations often feature whimsical and playful themes, making them a great source of inspiration for cute cat drawings.
  • Claire Belton: Claire is the creator of Pusheen, a chubby and lovable cat character that has grown in popularity worldwide. Her simple yet charming drawing style can inspire beginners.
  • Kliban Cat: Created by cartoonist B. Kliban, Kliban Cat is known for its humor and distinctive style. Studying these illustrations can give you ideas on how to depict cats in funny and unique ways.

Books

There are many books available that focus on drawing cute animals, including cats. Some popular titles to consider are:

  • How to Draw Kawaii Cute Animals + Characters: This book by Rachel Goldstein offers step-by-step instructions for drawing cute animals, including cats, in the kawaii style.
  • Drawing Cute: In this book, artist Katie Cook provides guidance on drawing adorable animals and characters, including a variety of cats.
  • How to Draw Cats and Kittens: Author and illustrator J.C. Amberlyn's book focuses specifically on drawing various breeds of cats and kittens, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips.

Online Resources

Online resources can be invaluable for learning how to draw cute cats. Here are some popular platforms to check out:

  • YouTube tutorials: A simple search for "cute cat drawing" on YouTube will yield numerous tutorials from artists sharing their techniques and tips for creating adorable cat illustrations.
  • Art blogs and websites: Many artists share their work, as well as tips and tutorials, on their personal blogs or websites. Look for artists who specialize in cute cat drawings and follow their content for inspiration and guidance.
  • Social media: Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter are great places to find and follow artists who create cute cat drawings. You can gather inspiration, ask questions, and even share your own progress with the art community.

By exploring various inspirations and resources, you'll continue to develop your skills and find your own unique style for creating cute cat drawings. Remember to practice, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!

If you're looking to level up your skills in character design, don't miss the workshop 'How to Create CUTE Character Design' by Alba. In this workshop, you'll learn the secrets to designing adorable and memorable characters that will captivate your audience and make your work stand out. Join us and bring your character designs to life!