How to Draw a Kawaii Cat

In this very simple lesson, we will show you how to draw a kawaii cat with a sweet and charming facial expression.

We usually demonstrate how to draw realistic, three-dimensional figures of animals and people, as in our cat drawing lesson, but we also enjoy working in simpler styles.

Earlier, we showed you how to draw a chibi cat, explaining that the chibi style relies on a specific set of techniques.

Today, we want to show that the kawaii style also involves its own distinct methods and visual characteristics, and we will explain how it differs from the chibi style.

How to draw a kawaii cat step by step

Step 1: Sketch the mushroom-shaped base

As in the chibi style or other simplified cartoon styles, you should begin by outlining the basic shapes of the head and body with the characteristic proportions, where the head is larger than the torso. Sketch the head first, then add the body in such a way that together the shapes resemble the simplified outline of a mushroom.

Step 2: Draw the eyes of the kawaii cat

All cute characters should have large, expressive eyes. Therefore, draw a pair of big, almond-shaped eyes inside the outline of the mushroom cap from the previous step. Large eyes are one of the most defining features of the kawaii style in drawing.

Step 3: Sketch the tiny nose and mouth

Another characteristic feature of the kawaii style is a small nose and mouth. Between the eyes, sketch a small rounded oval for the nose. Slightly below, draw the kawaii cat mouth using a pair of curved lines so that the shape resembles the number three.

Step 4: Draw the ears of the cartoon cat

In most cartoon and simplified styles, including kawaii, characters typically have very large heads along with oversized ears. Sketch these ears above the head as two elongated oval or triangular shapes. You can create any shape. We chose a typical shape that looks like a triangle with convex lines.

Step 5: Add the ear and fur details

Despite its simplicity, a few details should still be included so the drawing does not look like a flat diagram. Lightly indicate the inner structure of the ears and add several wavy or zigzag lines to represent fur. Make sure the left and right sides mirror each other as closely as possible.

Step 6: Detail the eyes of the cute cat

You have drawn all the primary shapes, and now you can add details. In this step, draw the pupils and the highlights inside the eyes. As you know, the position of the pupils determines the direction of the gaze.

Step 7: Sketch the whiskers and collar

On both sides of the face, roughly at the cheek area, draw the kawaii cat whiskers using two or three curved lines on each side. Then, just below the head, indicate a collar with a single curved line. You can also add a small pendant hanging from the collar if you like.

Step 8: Draw the hands of the kawaii cat

Another defining feature of the kawaii style is the extreme simplification of the body, often even more simplified than in the chibi style. Draw one of the front legs of the kawaii cat resting on the ground and the other raised in a characteristic, slightly lifted gesture.

Step 9: Sketch the tiny hind legs

Now sketch the kawaii cat’s legs at the lower sides of the body. If you look closely, you’ll notice they are intentionally small and simplified, reduced to just two gentle curves. Despite their exaggerated proportions and minimal detail, they should remain symmetrical to each other.

Step 10: Trace the head and add the tail

Using darker lines, trace the outline of the cute cat’s head to give it a clean, finished look. Then draw the tail of the kawaii cat as a long, smooth oval. You can adjust the shape or curve of the tail as you prefer.

Step 11: Trace the kawaii cat drawing

Carefully and gradually erase all remaining construction lines from your kawaii cat drawing, leaving only the main contours intact. Trace the entire drawing with dark, clean lines. You can also shade in the pupils to make the face more expressive.

As mentioned earlier, the chibi and kawaii styles are very close and overlap in many ways, but now you know how to draw both variations.

In this style, you can draw characters from virtually any anime, cartoon, or film. It is also possible to depict not only living beings but even inanimate objects and food in this style. The key elements to convey are large, shiny eyes and a simple smile.

This is another distinction between the kawaii and chibi styles. While chibi is more often used for drawing living characters, the kawaii style frequently applies to inanimate subjects as well, turning even everyday objects into cute, expressive figures.

A useful exercise would be to practice drawing different kawaii characters, for example by depicting a donut or a cake with large, cute eyes and a small smiling expression.

You can also visit our chibi category to see various interpretations of that style and learn how to draw your favorite characters in a softer, stylized manner.