How to make an origami cat face
One of the easiest origami models of all: a triangle, two pointy ears and a face drawn on top. Perfect for a first origami lesson with young children.
- Easy
- Age 4+
- About 5 minutes
- 6 steps
- No scissors
Lesson at a glance
- You need
- A square of paper. No scissors or glue.
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Level
- Easy · age 4+
- How to teach it
- Show the 3D folder on the board and pause after each step, or print the step sheet for each table. Both show the same folds.
Finished!
Step 1 of 6Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner to make a triangle.
Keys: left and right arrows go back and forward, Space plays or pauses, R plays the step again, B shows the back. On the 3D picture, the arrow keys turn it and + and − zoom.
How to fold a cat face: step by step
You need: one square of paper, 15 cm (6 inches) is ideal. Origami paper is easiest. To make a square from A4 or US Letter paper without scissors, fold one corner down to the opposite edge, crease the leftover strip firmly both ways and tear it off slowly.
Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold the top corner down to the bottom corner to make a triangle.
Fold the triangle in half from left to right, then open it again to make a center crease.
Fold the left corner up along a steep line, so its point sticks up above the top edge. This is the first ear.
Fold the right corner up in the same way to make the second ear.
Fold the bottom point up behind the head, so the chin is flat.
Draw two eyes, a nose and whiskers. Your cat face is finished!
Finished!
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What kids learn
- Shapes: a square becomes a triangle, then a cat – name each shape as you go.
- Halves: the first fold makes two equal halves.
- Following instructions: watch, copy, check, then the next step.
- Fine motor skills: lining up corners and pressing sharp creases.
Classroom tips for teachers
- Fine motor skills: show how to line up the corners first, then press the crease from the middle out to the sides.
- Shape talk: after each fold ask “What shape is it now?” – square, triangle, smaller triangle.
- Halves: open the first fold and show the two equal halves. How do we know they are equal?
- Story time: make a cat to go with a story or song, and use it as a finger puppet.
- SEND tips: use bigger squares (20 cm), pre-crease the first fold, and let children draw the face before folding if that is easier.
Standards links
- Math (K.G.A.2): name shapes such as squares and triangles in any size or position.
- Math (1.G.A.3): fold a shape into two equal shares and call them halves.
- Arts (National Core Arts Standards VA:Cr1.1): explore and play with materials, then add your own drawing.
- ELA (SL.K.1, SL.1.1): take turns to talk about each fold and listen to a partner.
Links to the Common Core State Standards, NGSS and the National Core Arts Standards. Check against your own state’s standards.
Safety
No scissors or glue are needed. Use markers or crayons for faces. Keep paper away from mouths, and recycle the scraps.
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Frequently asked questions
What age is the origami cat face for?
Children from about 4 can make it with a little help. By 5 or 6 most children can fold it on their own after watching the 3D steps.
How do I make the ears pointy?
Fold each corner up steeply so its tip pokes above the top edge. The steeper the fold, the taller the ear.