Simple Step-by-Step Origami Cat Template

Today we’re making a Origami Cat – the Perrfect Paper Pet! This easy origami cat is perfect for little hands. All you need is one square piece of paper and a marker to bring your kitty to life! The model we folded here is from our new book Easy Origami Cats and Dogs with Board Games for Kids. Learn how to fold an adorable origami cat that can stand up! This easy paper craft is perfect for kids ages 3-10.

What you need:

• 2 squares of origami paper or a regular paper (one for head, one for body)
• Scissors (for adult help with cutting templates)
• Alternatively, our template from our book.

Our Easy Origami Cats and Dogs with Board Games for Kids contains the original origami and 130 cutouts, so your child can practice scissors and fine motor skills.

PART 1: CAT HEAD

STEP 1: Make a Triangle Start with the white side facing up. Fold your paper in half corner to corner to make a triangle. This is your cat’s head!

STEP 2: Make the First Ear Turn your triangle around. Fold the right corner down toward the bottom to make one pointy cat ear.

STEP 3: Make the Second Ear Now fold the left corner down the same way to make the other cat ear. Your cat now has two ears!

STEP 4: Finish the Head Lift the bottom corners up and tuck them inside the head to make it neat.

Done! Your cat head is ready! Now let’s make the body.

PART 2: CAT BODY

STEP 1: Start with a Rectangle Cut out your body paper. White side up, fold it in half to make a rectangle.

STEP 2: Make Crossing Folds Open it. Now fold it in half the other way (left to right). Open it again.

STEP 3: Make Triangle Folds Fold one corner to the opposite corner to make a triangle. Open it. Do this again the other way. Open it. You should see 4 equal squares with criss-cross lines!

STEP 4: Make the Special Triangle (Waterbomb Base) This is the tricky part! Put your thumbs in the middle of the paper. Gently push the center down while bringing the left and right sides together. The paper will fold into a triangle by itself like magic!

STEP 5: Fold the Bottom Corners On the top layer, fold the left corner down so it covers about one-third of the bottom. Fold the right corner to the right. Flip your paper over and do the same folds on the back.

STEP 6: Make the Paws See the parts hanging down? Fold these up to make little flaps at the bottom. These are the paws that help your cat stand up!

STEP 7: Put It Together Tuck the body into the head, and your origami cat can stand on its paws!

Video Origami Cat Step-By-Step

• For younger kids (3-5): Adults can help with the waterbomb base (Step 4 of the body)
• Make sharp creases: Press down hard on your folds so they stay
• Don’t worry if it’s not perfect: Every cat is unique!
• Decorate: Draw eyes, nose, whiskers, and spots to make your cat special, if you use plain paper.

Now you have an adorable origami cat! Make a whole family of cats in different colors!

Looking for more easy origami? Try our Simple Origami Dog or Easy Paper Crafts for Kids! Easy Origami for Kids, Printable Origami Template, Origami Cat Step by Step, Paper crafts for toddlers