How to Color a Cat
Table of Contents
Some cats are a little grumpy, some are soft and sleepy, and some just feel a bit chaotic in the cutest way.
When you’re figuring out how to color a cat, it’s less about getting it perfect and more about keeping that personality. The tiny things, like uneven patches or slightly messy fur, are what make it feel real.
Tools We Reached For
1. Ohuhu Markers
- Tabby Cat: CG01, GG12, CG18
- Ragdoll Cat: YR03, Y415, E511, E090
- Calico Cat: YR19, BGY18, CG01
- Golden British Shorthair: Y59, YR015, YR07
2. Guangna Acrylic Markers
- Tabby Cat: 658, 610
- Ragdoll Cat: 658
- Calico Cat: 658
- Golden British Shorthair: 658, 618
Tabby Cat
Tabby cats always look a little chaotic at first, like the stripes don’t really follow a rule. But that’s kind of the point. Their pattern isn’t meant to be perfect or even.
As you color a tabby cat, it helps to just go with the flow instead of fixing every line. The more relaxed it feels, the more it starts to look like a real tabby.
Ragdoll Cat
Ragdolls always look like they’d be the easiest to color, just soft, light fur and simple tones. But once you start, it somehow doesn’t come out as soft as you expected.
That slightly off look usually happens when the colors feel too strong or filled in too much. Keeping it more minimal is what brings that ragdoll feel back.
Calico Cat
Calico cats always have those three colors that stand out right away: white, black, and orange.
Instead of blending everything together, keep each color in its own space and don’t worry about making it even. Slightly uneven patches and clear edges are what make it feel like a real calico.
Golden British Shorthair
Ever colored a British Shorthair and felt like the face lost that cute, puffed cheek look? That rounded face is what makes them so recognizable, but it’s easy to miss when everything blends together.
Keeping the cheeks a bit lighter and the area around them slightly deeper helps bring that squishy, round face back.
The Little Cat Coloring Book
For anyone who loves cats and their tiny everyday moments, The Little Cat coloring book is a sweet little book to slow down with. Each page follows a curious kitty through cozy, playful scenes, making it an easy pick for quiet evenings, lazy afternoons, or a small creative break between busy days.
FAQs
What coloring tools can I use to color a cat?
You can use a range of coloring tools like crayons, colored pencils, alcohol markers, acrylic markers, or water-based markers. Each one gives a slightly different feel, from soft and textured to smooth and even, so it often comes down to what you’re most comfortable using.
How do I make the eyes look glassy and alive?
The secret is the catchlight. Leave a tiny, uncolored white dot near the top of the pupil. This represents light reflecting off the eye’s surface.
How can I blend different shades seamlessly on a calico coat?
The key is working while the ink is still damp. Use a lighter shade to soften the edges where the orange and black patches meet the white fur. For more detailed techniques, you can check out some tips on blending with alcohol markers for creating smooth, natural transitions.
How do I color cat fur so it looks natural?
Build the color gradually instead of applying it all at once, starting with deeper tones and softening into lighter ones. Use light, fine strokes that follow the direction of the fur to keep the texture airy and prevent it from looking clumped.
Are there any beginner-friendly tips for coloring cats?
You can keep things simple with a few beginner-friendly coloring tips, like testing your colors on a swatch sheet first, placing a sheet underneath to prevent bleed-through, and keeping your strokes steady.
