How to Draw a Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Materials needed for drawing a cat


cat drawing

If you want to learn how to draw a cat, the first thing you need to do is gather the necessary materials. Drawing a cat is one of the most popular and fun forms of art, and you don’t need to be an expert to create impressive results. All you need are some basic supplies and a little creativity.

The materials needed for drawing a cat are quite simple. The first thing you need to have is a sketchpad or a piece of paper. The paper size depends on the size of the cat you want to draw. For beginners, a standard size of 8.5 x 11 is enough. However, you can choose a larger or smaller size based on your preference.

The second thing you need is a set of pencils. The pencils needed for drawing a cat should have different lead grades, from 4H to 6B. The 4H pencil will be used for sketching the basic outline of the cat, while the 6B pencil is for shading and creating contrast. If you don’t want to use pencils, you can also use charcoal, crayons, or colored pencils.

You will also need an eraser, preferably a kneaded eraser that is soft and pliable. Kneaded erasers can be easily shaped and manipulated to erase the smallest details without damaging the paper surface. You should also have a sharpener for your pencils, to keep them sharp and pointed for precise lines and shading.

To create texture and blend your pencil marks, you can use a blending tool like a tortillon or a blending stump. These tools allow you to create soft and smooth transitions between light and dark areas, making your cat drawing more realistic.

Lastly, you need a reference photo of a cat. You can either find a photo online or take a picture of your pet cat. The photo will serve as a guide for your drawing, helping you capture the proportions and details of a real cat.

There you have it – the materials needed for drawing a cat. The great thing about drawing is that it doesn’t require expensive equipment or materials. With just a few simple supplies, you can unleash your creativity and create beautiful art.

Basic guidelines for drawing a cat’s face


cat face drawing

Now that you’ve mastered the basic outline of a cat’s head, it’s time to focus on the finer details of their face. One of the most important features of a cat’s face is their eyes. Their eyes should be proportionate to the rest of their face and should be large and round. The pupils should be oval-shaped and positioned towards the center of the eye.

The nose should be triangular with the base at the top of the muzzle. It should be shorter than the length of the head and positioned between the eyes. Draw a small line at the base of the nose to create the mouth and add a line above the eyes to create the eyebrows. The mouth should be a simple curve and positioned slightly below the nose.

To create the ears, start by drawing two triangles on top of the head. The base of the triangle should be attached to the head and the top should be pointed. On the inner side of the ear, you can add a few lines to create the fur texture. The position and size of the ears can vary depending on the breed of cat you’re drawing.

When it comes to adding fur texture to the face, keep in mind that cats have short fur on their faces compared to the longer fur on their bodies. Use short, quick strokes to create the texture and avoid making the fur too long or thick. Use shading to create depth and to give the face a more three-dimensional look.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to drawing. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out how you hoped. Keep practicing and experimenting with different styles and techniques until you find one that works for you. Happy drawing!

Tips for sketching a cat’s body and limbs


cartoon cat drawing

Drawing a cat can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you’re a cat lover. However, as with any artistic endeavor, it can be challenging to get the body and limbs of the cat just right. But don’t worry – with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to sketch a feline form with ease.

First of all, it’s important to note that there are a variety of different breeds of cats, each with their unique physique. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on a general cat shape that can be modified depending on the specific breed you’re trying to draw.

When sketching a cat’s body, start by drawing a large oval shape for the head. Then, draw a long oval shape for the torso and connect it to the head with a smaller, rounded shape for the neck. Next, add curved lines for the legs and paws, making sure to keep in mind the proper proportions and angles.

For the hind legs, pay attention to the cat’s knee or hock joint, which should be exaggerated slightly in the drawing to give the cat a more realistic look. You can do this by drawing a small bump on the back of the leg, just above the ankle.

how to draw a cat step by step

When it comes to the cat’s tail, remember that it should be long and thin, with a slight curve at the end. To make the tail look more lifelike, you can add a few lines of fur, sticking out slightly at different angles.

Finally, don’t forget to include the cat’s ears and facial features, such as the nose and eyes. Depending on the breed of cat you’re drawing, the ears may be more pointed or rounded, and the eyes may be larger or more almond-shaped. Take a look at reference images of your desired breed to make sure you’re getting all the details right.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to sketching a cat’s body and limbs that looks realistic and true to life.

Adding details to your cat drawing


cat drawing details

Now that you have a basic outline of your cat drawn, it’s time to add some extra details to bring your drawing to life. One of the most important details of a cat drawing is the eyes. Start by sketching in the almond shape of the eyes, and then filling in the pupils. Try to give your cat a lifelike expression by placing the pupils slightly off-center in the eye.

Next, add some whiskers to your cat’s face. There are typically three or four rows of whiskers on each side of a cat’s nose. Be sure to sketch them lightly at first, and then darken them once you’re happy with the placement. You can also add some shading around the eyes and nose to give your cat’s face some depth.

For the body, you can add some fur texture by sketching in short, overlapping lines. Use your reference photo to guide you in adding the stripes or patches that your cat may have on its fur. Don’t forget to add the details of your cat’s paws, claws, and tail, which are important to show its pose and enhance the overall look of your drawing.

Finally, you can add some background elements to your drawing to make it more interesting. Some ideas could be a windowsill or a cushion, or you can draw some outdoor scenery like a fence or some greenery. Remember that you can be as creative as you like with your drawing.

Remember, the key to adding details to your cat drawing is to take your time and be patient. Use reference photos to guide you as you add the details. Keep practicing and experimenting with different techniques until you’re happy with your drawing. And most importantly, have fun with it!

Coloring and Finishing Your Cat Artwork


Drawing Cat Cartoon Step by Step

Once you have finished drawing your cat, it’s time to add some color to make it look more realistic or cartoonish. You can use any coloring materials you prefer, such as colored pencils, watercolors, or markers. Just make sure to choose cat-friendly colors that match the fur and anatomy of your cat.

For instance, if you’re drawing a black and white cat, you can use shades of grey, black, and white to add depth and volume to its fur. If your cat has brown or orange fur, you can use earthy colors like yellow, orange, brown, and ochre. If you’re drawing a Siamese cat, you may need to use a lighter coat of paint, which accentuates its beautiful blue eyes.

When coloring your cat, start with the lightest shade and gradually work up to the darkest shade. Use soft and gentle strokes to blend the colors and create a smooth transition between the shades. Use a white colored pencil to add highlights and a black colored pencil to add depth and shadows to your cat’s eyes and nose.

Once you’ve finished coloring your cat, you can add some finishing touches to make it look even more adorable. You can add some accessories such as a collar, a bell, or a ribbon. You can also add some background details to your cat, such as grass, flowers, or a bowl of milk.

Another way to finish your cat art is to use a black pen to outline the edges of your drawing and give it a clean, polished look. You can also use a white pen to highlight certain areas of your cat, such as its whiskers or eyes.

Regardless of how you choose to finish your cat artwork, the most important thing is to have fun while creating it. Drawing cats is not only a great way to practice your skills, but it’s also a therapeutic and relaxing activity that can relieve stress and anxiety.