How to Draw a Cat in a Box: Easy 9-Step Guide

This drawing lesson is perfect for young artists ages 5 and up. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this cozy kitten to life. Follow along to practice basic shapes and build confidence in your character design skills.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, friendly cartoon cat sitting inside a cardboard box, perfect for kids to learn how to draw.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Box Base

Line drawing showing the bottom of a square box and two cat paws resting on the edge.

Draw three sides of a square to form the front of the box, leaving the top open. Add two curved, rounded shapes at the bottom for the cat's resting paws. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines light so you can easily adjust the size if the paws look too big or small.

Step 2: Defining the Box

Line drawing completing the square front of the box behind the cat's paws.

Complete the square by drawing the top edge of the box front. Make sure these lines look like they are tucked behind the cat's paws. Teacher's Tip: Use a ruler if you want perfectly straight lines, or keep them freehand for a more charming, cartoonish look.

Step 3: Drawing the First Eye

Close-up line drawing of a single cat eye with a shaded pupil and highlight.

Draw a curved line for the eyelid, then add a partial oval above it. Add two smaller circles inside for the pupil and highlight. Shade the middle circle dark. Teacher's Tip: Leave a tiny white dot uncolored in the pupil to give the cat a 'sparkle' in its eye.

Step 4: Adding the Second Eye and Nose

Line drawing showing two cat eyes and a small triangular nose.

Repeat the eye process on the other side. Between the eyes, draw a small, rounded triangular nose. Teacher's Tip: Keep the nose small and centered to maintain the cat's cute, youthful proportions.

Step 5: Sketching the Face

Line drawing of a cat's face including eyebrows, mouth, and chin.

Add simple curved lines for the eyebrows, a 'W' shape for the mouth, and a soft curve for the chin. Teacher's Tip: A gentle 'W' mouth makes the cat look happy and friendly.

Step 6: Outlining the Head and Ears

Line drawing showing the outline of the cat's head and two triangular ears.

Draw the sides of the face extending up from the paws. Add two rounded triangular ears on top. Teacher's Tip: Make sure the ears overlap the head slightly to show they are attached to the skull.

Step 7: Connecting and Detailing Ears

Line drawing showing the top of the cat's head and detailed inner ear texture.

Connect the ears with a smooth curve for the top of the head. Add jagged, furry details inside the ears. Teacher's Tip: Use short, quick strokes to create the 'furry' look inside the ear.

Step 8: Adding Stripes and Whiskers

Line drawing of the cat with added stripes on the head and long whiskers.

Add 'U' shaped stripes on the head and cheeks. Draw long, straight lines extending from the cheeks for whiskers. Teacher's Tip: Whiskers look best when they are drawn with one confident, quick motion.

Step 9: Finishing the Box

Completed line drawing of the cat sitting inside a cardboard box with flaps.

Draw the box flaps on the sides using curved lines. Connect them at the top behind the cat's head to complete the scene. Teacher's Tip: Imagine the flaps are made of cardboard—they don't have to be perfectly straight!

Step 10: Coloring Your Masterpiece

Finished, colored illustration of a cute cat sitting in a cardboard box.

Bring your drawing to life with color! We used orange, cream, and brown for a marmalade look, but you can try gray for a tabby or black and white for a tuxedo cat. Teacher's Tip: Use light pressure with your colored pencils to create soft shading on the cat's fur.