Updated August 25, 2026
Build a cute kitten drawing from two simple shapes.
This original seven-step tutorial shows kids and beginners how to draw a seated kitten. Start with a circle and an oval, add the face and paws, then finish with whiskers, a tail, clean outlines, and color.
Drawing tip: Use light pencil pressure through Step 5. Darken the outline only after the kitten’s face, paws, and tail look balanced.
Supplies
- Paper
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
How to Draw a Kitten in 7 Easy Steps
Step 1: Draw the head and body shapes
Draw a circle for the head and a larger oval beneath it for the body. Let the two shapes touch so the kitten will have a connected neck.
Step 2: Add the face
Draw two large oval eyes, a small triangle nose, and two short curves for the mouth. Keep the features close together for a friendly cartoon expression.
Step 3: Add ears and front paws
Place two pointed ears on top of the head. Shape the sides of the face, then draw two short front legs and rounded paws.
Step 4: Draw the back leg and whiskers
Add one curved back leg beside the body. Draw three light whiskers on each cheek.
Step 5: Add the tail
Draw a long curved tail rising beside the kitten. Make the base a little wider than the tip.
Step 6: Clean up the outline
Erase the original circle and oval where they cross the final shape. Darken the ears, face, paws, body, and tail that you want to keep.
Step 7: Color the kitten
Color the kitten gray, orange, black, white, or any combination you like. Leave small white highlights in the eyes and use a lighter color inside the ears.
Quick Fixes
- The head looks separate: smooth the two short neck lines where the circle meets the body.
- The paws look uneven: compare their bottom edges before darkening the outline.
- The face feels crowded: move the eyes slightly farther apart and keep the nose centered below them.
- The tail looks thin: redraw the inside curve so the base is wider than the tip.
Make the Kitten Your Own
Add stripes, spots, a collar, or a favorite toy. You can also change the eye shape or tail position while keeping the same basic construction.
Once you finish, try drawing the kitten again without looking at every panel. Repeating the same simple shapes is the fastest way to remember the sequence.
Try another animal with our easy mouse drawings, or continue with how to draw an apple.
