Have you ever wondered why the internet is overflowing with “how to Draw A Cat” tutorials? A simple Google search reveals a staggering 40 million results dedicated to this very topic. It’s clear that drawing cats is a popular pursuit, but the question remains: why are we so captivated by drawing these creatures? While Google might offer endless guides on technique, it seems less forthcoming on the deeper reasons why we pick up our pencils to capture our feline friends.
One of the most straightforward answers lies in sheer numbers. Cats are incredibly popular pets. In the UK alone, homes are shared with approximately 7.5 million cats. This widespread ownership naturally translates into a wealth of readily available, and often willing, subjects for aspiring artists. In densely populated areas, like where I live, you might find an astonishing 600 cats per square mile!
Beyond accessibility, cats possess a unique quality that makes them ideal models: their stillness. After a satisfying meal, a cat is likely to settle down into a prolonged period of repose. This feline stillness provides artists with a precious window of opportunity to observe and sketch a subject that isn’t constantly shifting. Let’s be honest, drawing a moving target is significantly more challenging!
A pastel drawing of a ginger cat named Cosmo sleeping peacefully on a patterned blanket, a memorial artwork.
But perhaps the most compelling reason we draw cats is far more profound: love. Our feline companions weave their way into our hearts and homes, becoming cherished members of our families. This emotional bond fuels a desire to capture their essence, to preserve their image, and to celebrate their unique personalities through art.
For me, this emotional connection is deeply personal. It was one year ago today that Cosmo, my beloved cat, passed away. The grief still feels fresh, a year later. Talking about him can still bring tears to my eyes. On that day, a year ago, we made the heartbreaking trip to the vet, and then brought him home for one last time, capturing final sketches of his peaceful sleep.
The past year has brought with it news of loss from many around me, a shared experience of saying goodbye to beloved feline friends. While new kittens have been welcomed into their lives, the space left by a truly special cat remains unfilled. I understand this deeply; Cosmo is irreplaceable. The thought of replacing him feels impossible, and not just because finding Somali kittens, like he was, is a challenge.
What I do know is that the collection of drawings I have of Cosmo are a source of immense comfort. Flipping through sketchbooks, I stumble upon countless images of him, often unfinished because he’d stir from his nap mid-pose. Drawing has been difficult this past year, and perhaps this anniversary explains why. Rereading an old blog post, I found a comment that resonates now more than ever:
“Did I not tell you all that Cosmo has to sit right next to me and watch while I draw? And if I show the slightest inclination to pause and reflect and not remain alert to his likely next move, he’s climbing into my lap – right across the artwork.”
A black and white sketch of a cat stretching its body, showcasing feline flexibility in art.
A colored pencil drawing capturing the peacefulness of a cat napping, ideal subject for beginner artists.
A detailed sketch of Cosmo the cat in a relaxed sleeping position, a study in feline anatomy and repose.
Quick outline sketches of Cosmo in various poses, demonstrating rapid sketching techniques for capturing cat movement.
A Thought for the Day: Always draw the ones you love. This sentiment extends far beyond just cats. Life is precious and fleeting, and capturing those we cherish in art is a powerful way to hold onto memories and express our deepest affections. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; draw them now, because you never truly know how much time you have left to capture their essence on paper.
