Finished single-sheet and double-sheet origami cats side by side

Two origami cats come out of this tutorial: a single-sheet cat folded from one square of paper, and a double-sheet cat with a separate head and body you glue together once both pieces are folded. Neither pattern is complicated, and a few marker dots for eyes, whiskers, and spots make either one look adorable in seconds.

Both are great projects to fold with kids, low mess, 10 to 15 minutes each, and a nice bit of quality crafting time that doesn’t need a special occasion. If you love origami as much as I do, these two patterns are worth adding to your collection.

You only need 1 or 2 square sheets of paper (about 10cm x 10cm) to try either style, so if you have 3 sheets on hand, you can fold both versions without spending a dollar. If folding a cat has you curious about more animals, our full collection of origami animals has plenty to try next.

Origami Cat at a Glance

  • Difficulty: Beginner
  • Time: 10 to 15 minutes per cat
  • Cost: Under $1 (just paper you likely already have)
  • Ages: 8 and up (younger kids with help)
  • Best for: Quick craft time with kids or a handmade gift topper
The single-sheet origami cat

The single-sheet origami cat

The double-sheet origami cat

The double-sheet origami cat

Things You’ll Need

 Materials

  • Colored craft paper or origami paper
  • Markers

Tools

  • Ruler
  • A pair of scissors

If you have square sheets, you won’t need a ruler and scissors.

"Crafty Q&A" Need a little help?

Ask inside "Crafty Q&A" while you are making.

"Crafty Q&A" is free to join. Share your question, photo, or the exact step where you got stuck, and chat with other makers plus the Craftaholic Witch team. You can also join any discussion thread already happening inside the space.

Join free to open "Crafty Q&A"
Free account. After signup or sign-in, they land straight in "Crafty Q&A".

Video Tutorial: How to Make an Origami Cat out of a Single Sheet