How to Draw a Cat Playing with Fall Leaves

Today I’m drawing a little cat playing in a pile of fall leaves.

I wanted this one to feel cozy and playful, so I kept the shapes really simple. You don’t have to make your lines exactly like mine — little differences are what make each drawing feel like your own.

If you’re looking for more things to draw this season, you can also check out my easy fall drawing ideas for more cozy inspiration.

Drawing Tip: I like to start with a light pencil sketch first, especially when I’m figuring out the shapes. Once everything looks the way I want, I go over the lines with a pen or darker pencil and erase any extra sketch lines.

And most importantly, don’t worry about making your drawing look exactly like mine. A little wonky or uneven is completely fine — just have fun with it.

Step 1: Start with the cat’s head

Begin with a small curved line for the top of the cat’s head.

Step 1 of an easy fall cat drawing, starting with a curved line for the head

Then draw down one side and across the bottom. Add the other side to close the shape, leaving two little points at the top for the ears.

Your cat’s head should look a little like a soft rounded square.

Drawing the side and bottom of the cat's head

Completing the simple cat head shape with pointed ears

Step 2: Draw the face

Add one almond-shaped eye and a vertical pupil.

Adding the first eye to an easy cat drawing

Draw the second eye, then add a tiny nose in the middle.

I like keeping the face really simple here because we’ll add a few more little details near the end.

Step 3: Add the cat’s body

Starting near the top of the head, draw one big curved line around to create the cat’s back.

Bring the line down toward the ground beside the head.

Don’t worry about making the body perfectly round. A slightly uneven shape makes it feel softer and more hand drawn.

Adding a large rounded body to the fall cat drawing

Step 4: Draw the first fall leaf

Near the back of the cat, draw two crossing curved lines.

I made one side shorter and one side longer to help guide the leaf shape.

Drawing guide lines for a fall leaf beside the cat

Draw a wavy leaf around those lines. This leaf will look like it is sitting partly in front of the cat.

Adding a simple fall leaf beside the cat

Step 5: Add another leaf

Draw another pair of crossing lines over the cat’s back.

Drawing guide lines for a leaf on the cat's back

Then use those lines as a guide to draw another loose, wavy fall leaf.

The leaves definitely don’t need to match. I actually think they look cuter when they’re a little different.

Drawing a fall leaf resting on the cat's back

Step 6: Add the tail and little cat details

Draw a long tail curving upward behind the cat.

Then add a few small details to the face — I added tiny marks inside the ears and a couple of whiskers on each side.

Adding the cat's tail, whiskers, and ear details

At this point, our cat is starting to look much more finished.

Step 7: Clean up the overlapping lines

Erase the parts of the cat’s body that run underneath the leaves.

This helps the leaves look like they’re actually sitting on top of and beside the cat instead of being drawn through it.

Erasing overlapping lines underneath the fall leaves

Step 8: Add the finishing touches

I added a few little dots, sparkles, and one small floating leaf around the cat.

Adding sparkles and a small floating leaf to finish the fall cat drawing

These are completely optional, but I think tiny details like these make a simple drawing feel a little more playful.

And that’s it!

Finished outlined cute cat playing with fall leaves drawing

Add Some Fall Color

You can leave your drawing as a simple black-and-white doodle, or add some cozy fall colors.

For mine, I used soft gray patches on the cat and warm orange and golden colors for the leaves. You could also try brown, red, mustard yellow, or any fall colors you like.