How to Make a Pixel Art Cat

In this beginner-friendly guide, you will learn how to create your very own pixel art cat. Step by step, we’ll cover everything you need to turn a simple grid into a cute pixel feline.

Pixel art is increasingly popular, whether you want to design a sprite for a 2D game or share your creation on social media. This tutorial makes it easy to create an adorable pixel cat quickly.

Steps to Make a Pixel Art Cat

The process for drawing a pixel cat includes the following:

Choose a pixel art software such as Adobe Photoshop, Mega Voxels, or Aseprite

Set up a 32×32 pixel canvas

Draw an outline of the cat

Fill in the cat’s colors

Add shading and highlights for depth

Apply a background color

We’ll go through each step in detail so you can follow along and complete your own pixel cat. If you are new to pixel art, it’s helpful to check out a beginner’s tutorial before starting.

Step 1: Choose Your Pixel Art Software

Before starting, you’ll need a pixel editor. In this guide, we use Mega Voxels Pixel Editor, but you can also use Photoshop, Aseprite, or Illustrator.

Key skills to know in your software:

Creating a pixel grid

Using the pencil tool

Filling colors

Once completed, your pixel cat can be imported into games such as Minecraft or Unity.

Step 2: Create the Grid

Start by setting up a 32×32 pixel canvas.

This small size is typical in pixel art and is especially suitable for game sprites or icons.

Set the background to white (#FFFFFF) as a clean drawing space. Your canvas should now look like a blank pixel grid ready for your cat.

Step 3: Draw the Cat Outline

Next, sketch the basic shape of your cat.

Select black (#000000) and use the pencil tool to outline the head, body, tail, and ears.

This outline defines the overall form. Feel free to adjust the proportions or style to match your own design or game requirements.

Step 4: Fill in the Base Colors

After outlining, it’s time to color your cat.

Fill the body with a blue-gray (#848998).

Color the belly, tail tip, and mouth area in white (#FFFFFF).

Use a soft pink (#D17F7F) for the inner ears and nose.

Now your pixel cat has a basic color scheme.

Step 5: Add Shadows

Shading makes your pixel cat look more three-dimensional.

Start with a darker gray (#676C7C) to create shadows along the lower body, under the face, belly, and feet.

For white areas, use a slightly darker tone (#E3E3E3) to add subtle depth.

Shadows will help the character pop off the flat canvas.

Step 6: Apply Highlights

Next, create highlights using a lighter gray (#9CA1AF).

Add highlights to the top of the head, back, and other areas where light would naturally fall.

You can adjust colors freely to give your cat a unique look.

High contrast between highlights and shadows will give your cat a realistic three-dimensional effect.

Hide the grid lines to check your overall design.

Step 7: Set the Background Color

To make your pixel cat stand out, add a background.

Use the bucket fill tool and choose a light blue (#BCEAFE).

Click on the white area surrounding your cat to fill it with color.

The background adds contrast and makes your cat visually pop.

Congratulations! Your Pixel Cat is Complete

You now know how to create a pixel cat from start to finish.

Try experimenting with different colors and styles to make a variety of cats, such as:

Orange tabby

Black cat

Calico

Ragdoll

Striped cat

Each design creates a distinct personality and style for your pixel character.

Next Steps and Ideas

Once you’re comfortable with pixel cats, try other subjects:

Pixel dogs

Pixel bunnies

Pixel pandas

Pixel foxes

Pixel dragons

Pixel unicorns

By practicing more, you’ll develop skills in shaping, coloring, and lighting, enabling you to design unique pixel characters for games, art, or digital storytelling.