Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw a cat that’s as adorable as it is easy to create?
If you’ve ever sat down with a sketchbook, stared at the blank page, and whispered, “I wish I could draw something cute without getting overwhelmed,”—you’re in the right place.
I totally get it.
When I first started doodling animals, I just wanted to make something that made me smile. Over time, drawing cute little creatures—especially cats—became one of my favorite ways to unwind. There’s something magical about turning a few lines and curves into a wide-eyed, fluffy character. And let me tell you: you can totally do it, too.
This guide breaks down the process step-by-step, with clear visuals and friendly instructions (plus a few personal notes along the way). Whether you’re just picking up a pencil for fun or looking for ideas for your next digital drawing, this is a purr-fect place to start.
So grab a warm drink, settle into your creative corner, and let’s get sketching!
Step 1: Draw the Cat’s Head
Let’s start with the shape of the cat’s head!
Draw a large, rounded shape that looks like an oval with two pointy ears at the top.
It should resemble a wide “U” shape with cute little ear bumps.
Don’t worry about making it perfect—this will be the adorable base for your cat’s face!
Step 2: Add the Face and Whiskers
Time to give your kitty some personality!
Draw two small ovals for the eyes, spaced evenly apart. Then add a tiny upside-down triangle for the nose right between them.
Beneath the nose, draw a cute little mouth like a rounded “w” shape.
Finally, add three short lines on each side of the face for the whiskers—your cat is already looking adorable!
Step 3: Draw the Collar and Bell
Let’s give your cat a cute collar!
Draw a curved line below the head that follows the shape of the chin to make the collar.
Then, add a small circle hanging from the middle of the collar—this will be the bell.
Finish it off with a tiny curved line inside the bell to show the opening. Your kitty is now wearing a stylish accessory!
Step 4: Add the Front Paws
Now let’s start drawing the kitty’s body!
Beneath the head, draw two “U” shapes side by side to create the front paws.
Then, add a small curved line at the bottom of each paw to show the toes.
They should look like tiny jellybeans—super cute and simple!
Step 5: Outline the Body
Now it’s time to shape your kitty’s body!
Starting from each side of the collar, draw a curved line that goes around the front paws and ends near the bottom.
These lines form the sides of the body and connect with the base of the paws to complete a round, sitting pose.
Your cat is coming together so nicely!
Step 6: Draw the Tail
What’s a cute cat without a tail?
On the left side of the body, draw a long, curved shape that swoops outward and then back toward the body.
Keep the lines soft and round to match the cozy style of the cat.
Now your kitty has a playful little tail curling up beside it!
Step 7: Add Stripes and Ear Details
Time to give your cat some playful markings!
Draw three small curved stripes on the forehead and one inside each ear.
Then, add two short stripes on each side of the face and three on each side of the body.
Finish it off with a few curved stripes on the tail. These little details make your kitty look extra sweet and full of character!
Step 8: Trace Your Lines with Black Ink
Now that your full outline is done, it’s time to make it pop!
Carefully trace over all of your pencil lines with a black pen or marker.
This will help define the shapes and give your drawing a clean, bold look.
Once the ink is dry, gently erase any leftover pencil marks—and ta-da, your cat is ready for color!
Step 9: Add Color
Now it’s time to bring your kitty to life with color!
Use soft gray for the fur, a darker gray for the stripes, and a light pink for the inner ears.
Color the collar orange and the bell yellow for a cheerful pop.
Feel free to use markers, colored pencils, or digital coloring—whatever you like best!
Step 10: Decorate with Cute Extras
Let’s finish with some fun decorations!
Draw small hearts, a flower, and a paw print around your cat to make the picture even more adorable.
You can place them wherever you like and use your favorite colors.
These little touches make your drawing feel extra happy and complete!
Why I Love Drawing Cute Cats (and Why You Might, Too)
I’ve drawn dozens of animal doodles over the years, but there’s something so satisfying about a sweet, stripey cat. They’re simple enough for beginners but still full of personality.
Here’s why I think you’ll enjoy drawing them as much as I do:
- They’re expressive: A small change in the eyes or mouth can totally shift the vibe.
- They’re relaxing to create: The rounded shapes and playful poses make the process feel soft and cozy.
- They’re versatile: You can add hats, hearts, flowers, or give them different moods!
This particular cat was inspired by a lazy afternoon sketch session and evolved into one of my most shared pins on Pinterest. You can follow along with more of my art there if you’d like:
👉 My Pinterest page
Want More Cute Drawing Tutorials?
If you had fun with this one (and I hope you did!), you’ll probably love these tutorials too:
Both of these are part of my ever-growing collection of joyful animal drawings. Each one is designed to be accessible, fun, and a little spark of creative delight in your day.
Let’s Keep the Creativity Going!
Whether you’re drawing for fun, journaling, decorating a planner, or even creating stickers—your creativity deserves space to shine.
If you try this drawing, I’d love to see it. Tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment there with your creation. You never know who you might inspire with your sketch!
And if you ever feel stuck or unsure where to start next, just remember:
You don’t have to be perfect—just playful.
Let’s keep creating things that make us smile. 💛
