How to Draw a Cat
A seated domestic tabby cat curls its striped tail around its front paws. Study the upright ears, rounded chest, and soft fur patterns that give this quiet pose its character.
Start the lessonStage 1: Build the Seated Pose
Sketch a tilted oval for the head above a tall chest oval, with a large rounded haunch to the right. Block in the front legs with long overlapping shapes and the resting tail with a broad curve along the bottom.
Stage 2: Shapes
Connect the head to the chest with curved neck lines and refine the sloping back. Separate the two front legs into tapered shapes ending in rounded paws, with the thick tail curled beside them.
Stage 3: Add Features and Stripes
Shape the upright ears and left-facing muzzle, then draw the eyes, nose, and closed mouth. Refine the furry outline and divide both paws into toes. Add tabby markings across the forehead, cheeks, chest, legs, haunch, and tail.
Stage 4: Finish the Cat Sketch
Deepen the tabby stripes and build soft shading with short fur strokes, keeping the muzzle, chest, and paws light. Define the ear fur, add long whiskers and whisker dots, and preserve bright highlights in the eyes. Remove remaining construction lines and add a soft ground shadow to complete the sketch.
Explore colour
Add colour
Make room for your drawing.
One page, 4 stages, and space to draw.
