How to Fold an Origami Cat
Some origami models capture more than just a shape. They bring personality to life. This cute origami cat, designed by Nicolas Terry, does exactly that.
With clever folds that create a playful color change, this design gives this paper cat a unique expression and a striking appearance.
While it’s an easy model, a little folding experience will help with some details.
If you’re looking for a fun project that plays with contrast and character, this one is worth trying.
Let’s start folding!
Origami Cat Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 5
- Folding time: 15 minutes
- Model designer: Nicolas Terry
- Paper: Kami 15×15 cm
Step 1
Start with the white side facing up. Fold the paper diagonally in both directions, the unfold.
Step 2
Fold the bottom left edge to meet the center crease.
Step 3
Fold the flap created in Step 2 in half.
Step 4
Unfold the flaps from Steps 2 and 3.
Step 5
Repeat Steps 2-4 on the right side.
Step 6
Mountain fold along the dotted lines, using the exiting creases made in Steps 1 and 3.
Step 7
Fold along the dotted lines, using the creases from Step 2 as a guide.
Step 8
Mountain fold the model in half, reversing the diagonal crease made in Step 1.
Step 9
Fold the triangle in half vertically on the both sides.
Step 10
Fold and unfold the triangle in half by bringing the top corner to the bottom corner.
Step 11
Open the top flap of the triangle, and valley fold along the dotted line.
Step 12
Bring the top corner down to the bottom corner so the two triangles sit on top of each other.
Step 13
Fold the top flap up along the dotted line.
Step 14
Turn the model over.
Step 15
Open the triangle flaps.
Step 16
Turn the model over again.
Step 17
Fold along the dotted line, using the reference points as guide.
Step 18
Make a mountain fold just below the cat’s ear.
🐱 Note: From Steps 18 to 22, the diagrams show the folds on only one ear, while both ears are folded in the photos and videos. You can choose to fold one ear at a time or both together. Whichever feels more comfortable!
Step 19
Fold along the dotted line, creating a crease that runs from the middle of the cat’s head to the bottom of the cat’s ear.
Step 20
Unfold the creases you made in Steps 18 and 19.
Step 21
Inside reverse fold the ear along the creases made in Step 19.
Step 22
Inside reverse fold the ear again, this time using the creases made in Step 18.
Step 23
Repeat Steps 18 to 22 on the other ear of the origami cat.
Step 24
Mountain fold the top of the cat’s head to hide the top triangle.
Step 25
Fold the bottom of the head along the dotted line.
Step 26
Fold the top flap along the dotted line to form the origami cat’s snout.
Step 27
Mountain fold the first layer of the corner near the tail along the dotted line. Repeat on the other side.
Step 28
Fold the tail along the dotted line, using the reference points as a guide.
Step 29
Make mountain folds along both sides of the cat tail to give it a rounded shape.
The Completed Origami Cat
Well done! Your origami cat is complete, full of elegance and style.
Have fun trying out different paper designs! You’ll be amazed at how they can change the look of your final model.
Don’t hesitate to share your creations with us in the comments or on socials. We’d love to see them!
Download the Full Origami Cat Printable PDF Instructions
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This was AMAZING! It was so fun to learn! Some advice I have for u is maybe next time make the captions more detailed for the complicated parts(where you have to squash fold is the hardest part for me).