How to draw a cat

Most kids that come to Storygalorey tell me about their interesting pets-or the pets they wish they had. Kids especially love their cats and dogs. That’s why, when Mike and I were on a recent trip to Italy, I was on the lookout for cats. Amid the magnificent art, the ancient buildings, and the fascinating people, I had read that Italians like cats and protect them and that I might encounter lots of them. “Kids would love this,” I thought. So I brought cat photos back to you and we are going to read and do art with cats this month.

If you are new to Storygalorey, you need to know that we almost always start art creation with a good book. Reading to kids inspires creativity and comprehension skills, as well as increases the bond between reader and child. Just for fun, pick up this popular Caldecott Medal winning book and read it to your kids: They all Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel. 

You will want to read and reread this book to take in the intriguing way the book is illustrated and talk about who is seeing the cat the way they do. There are many cat books out there, (maybe there are even Millions of Cats…?-a Newbery award winner from 1958) but They all Saw a Cat can inspire different kinds of art almost on every page. 

Drawing a cat starts with a line, which turns into a shape, which turns into a cat. 

This week, after reading the book, let's try drawing a simple outline using shapes and lines. Kids can fill in the cat however they want to…but stay tuned, because we will use this shape, this month, to create different images of cats using this book for inspiration. 

Your kids will need a piece of paper and something to draw with.

Here's the process:

Step 1: Draw a sideways oval on the right side of the paper. Draw 2 triangles on top of the oval.

Step 2: Draw a curved line starting from the left ear and curving around.

Step 3: Follow the line around to complete the cat's tail and body. Add 2 legs. No need for it to be perfect-just keep drawing your line! You don't even need to pick up your pencil. This is called a contour line.

Step 4: Add 2 more legs. These are kind of rectangles with rounded ends.

Step 5: Now for the face: Draw an upside down triangle for your cat's nose. Add a curved line going up to the top of the face from each edge of your triangle. 

 Step 6: Add 2 curved lines for the cat's eyes. Add 2 curved lines for the cat's mouth. Optional: add a tongue and cheeks. (more curved lines)

Step 7: Add a vertical line for the pupil and some curved lines for whiskers. Color as you wish. All done! Great job!!

I hope your child enjoyed reading this story and drawing a cat today! Just using lines and shapes, kids can change their cat's expression, feet, and tail. Depending on the age of your child, drawing a cat can be complex or very simple. Please send me your kids' cat drawings--I'd love to see them! I'll bet they look purr-fect! (couldn't resist)

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