Tutorial

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Best for Preschematic stage · Ages 5–7

How to Draw a Cat Face Step by Step – Free Printable PDF

Learning how to draw a cute cat face step by step is a fun and easy activity for kids and beginners. This step by step cat face drawing tutorial is perfect for kids and beginners who want to create a fun cartoon cat. You do not need any special skills. Just grab a pencil, some paper, and follow each step carefully.

In this lesson, we will start with simple shapes and easy lines. By the end, you will have a cute cat drawing that you can colour however you like.

This easy cat face drawing tutorial is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to draw animal faces step by step.

Which cat is this?

This is the portrait version — just the head, perfect for stickers and profile drawings.

For a full body, see Cute Cat or Fluffy Cat.

For absolute beginners with only basic shapes, try Simple Cat.

Grab a pencil and paper and follow each step. The cyan lines show you exactly what to draw at each stage.

By Charlene · graphic designer and self-taught illustrator · Published 10 March 2026 · Updated 20 May 2026

Drawing Tips

1 Always start with light pencil lines so you can erase and adjust easily

2 Take your time — there is no rush and slow lines are neater than fast ones

3 The fluffy cheek edges are meant to look a little wobbly — do not worry about making them perfect

4 Once you are happy with your outline, go over it with a darker line or a black marker

5 Colour your cat in any colours you like — try orange, grey, black, or even a fantasy colour

Preview of free Cats drawing printable worksheet

Free printable worksheet — print at home or in the classroom

Download Free Cat Drawing Printable (PDF)

How to Draw a Cat Face Step by Step – Free Printable PDF

Step 1

Draw the ears

Draw two triangles with no bases for the ears.

Tip: Start with the ears (not the head) because they set the width of the whole face. Place them about a third of the way down your page.

Step 2

Connect the ears

Add a curved line to join the ears together.

Step 3

Draw the left cheek

On the left side draw small zigzag lines going down to make a fluffy cheek.

Step 4

Draw the right cheek

Repeat the same zigzag shape on the right side.

Step 5

Draw the chin

Add a small curved line at the bottom to connect the cheeks.

Step 6

Draw the eyes

Draw two oval shapes for the eyes.

Watch for: On this portrait style, the eyes go close to the centre of the face — not high up near the ears. High eyes make the face look squashed.

Step 7

Draw the nose

Add a small triangle nose in the centre.

Step 8

Draw the mouth

Draw two small curved lines down from the nose to make the mouth.

Step 9

Add whiskers

Draw three straight lines on each side of the face for whiskers.

Step 10

Add the tongue

Draw a line across at the bottom of the line from the nose. Then add a little 'u' shape to create a cheeky tongue.

Tip: The tongue is what makes this cat look playful rather than serious. If your child wants a more serious cat, skip this step.

Step 11

Add detail to the ears

Draw a triangle inside each ear, leaving the bottom of the triangle open.

Step 12

Add fur to the ears

Draw a wavy line at the bottom of the triangles in the ears to show the fur.

Amazing work — you have drawn a cute cat face! Your finished cat has fluffy cheeks, pointy ears, a little triangle nose, and long whiskers.

Keep practising and try drawing more animals!

Try different expressions

Same cat, different face — try drawing the eyes closed for a sleepy cat, or making them tiny dots with mouth open wide for a surprised cat. Add a tiny heart instead of a nose for a love-struck cat. The cat face is a great base for showing different moods.

Common cat face mistakes

Ears too small. Triangle ears should be roughly a third of the head's height. Tiny ears make the head look bald.
Eyes too high. The eyes belong roughly in the middle of the face, not up near the ears. High eyes shrink the forehead and make the face look off.
Smooth cheek lines. Cheeks should be zigzag — that's what reads as 'fluffy.' A smooth curve looks like a balloon, not a cat.

Fun Facts About Cats

Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day.

Every cat has a unique nose print, just like human fingerprints.

Cats use their whiskers to measure spaces and feel around in the dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cat drawing easy for beginners?

Yes. This cat drawing tutorial is designed for beginners and young artists. It uses simple shapes, short step-by-step instructions, and clear cyan visual guides.

Why just a face — where's the body?

This portrait version is the easiest of all our cat tutorials and the quickest to finish. It's great for stickers, profile pictures, or as a starter cat before trying the full-body Cute Cat or Fluffy Cat.

What age is this tutorial for?

It is suitable for children aged 5 and up. Younger children can manage it with help on the cheek zigzag steps.

Can I print this cat drawing tutorial?

Yes — there is a free printable PDF version of this tutorial available to download on this page.

What should I draw after the cat face?

Try the bunny face or dog face — same simple portrait style, different animal. Once you're comfortable with all three, try a full-body cat or dog tutorial.