Paint Your Cat's Portrait: Custom Paint by Numbers Kits
Top Cat Paint-by-Numbers Kits: Realistic, Cute & Custom
If you're searching for the perfect paint by numbers cat kit, you're in the right place. Below you'll find our curated picks across styles—from lifelike feline portraits to whimsical kittens—plus a buyer's guide on sizes, color counts, and tips to design a custom cat paint-by-numbers kit with Paintby.ai.
Cats have been beloved companions for thousands of years, and now you can celebrate their grace and beauty through art. Whether you're looking to create a tribute to your own feline friend, searching for a relaxing hobby, or seeking the perfect gift for a cat lover, cat paint by numbers kits offer an accessible entry point into pet portraiture.
Quick Picks
- Best for Realism: Classic cat portrait (Siamese, Maine Coon, Tabby)
- Best for Beginners: Cute kitten illustration with larger color blocks
- Best Statement Piece: Color-splash abstract cat on a large canvas
- Best Gift: Custom paint-by-numbers of your cat via Paintby.ai
Want to explore other animals too? Check out our dog paint by numbers guide for canine companions.
Top Cat Paint-by-Numbers Styles
Whether you prefer a regal feline or a playful kitten scene, these categories cover the most-loved looks. Each pick includes a ready-to-use prompt idea for crafting a unique Paintby.ai design.
1) Lifelike Cat Portraits (Hyper-Realistic)
Why it's great: Fine fur textures and expressive eyes make these feel like true portraits. Ideal for cat owners who want a faithful likeness.
- Best for: Intermediate to advanced painters who enjoy detail
- Prompt idea: "Photorealistic portrait of a Maine Coon cat, soft window light, neutral background, sharp eye detail"
2) Cute Kittens (Kawaii & Storybook)
Why it's great: Larger color areas and simple shading—perfect for beginners or a relaxing weekend project.
- Best for: First-timers and younger painters who might benefit from our beginner's painting guide
- Prompt idea: "Adorable tabby kitten chasing butterflies in a garden, pastel color palette, soft outlines"
3) Color-Splash Abstract Cats
Why it's great: Bold, modern wall art with splattered pigments and high contrast—looks stunning above a sofa.
- Best for: Anyone who wants a trendy statement piece
- Prompt idea: "Abstract color-splash cat profile, vibrant neon accents on dark background, dynamic brush strokes"
4) Vintage/Classic Illustration
Why it's great: Nostalgic line work with muted tones that complement cottagecore and vintage decor.
- Best for: Cozy reading nooks and gallery walls
- Prompt idea: "Vintage ink-and-wash black cat curled on books, cream paper texture, soft grain"
5) Watercolor-Style Cats
Why it's great: Airy gradients and translucent washes create a dreamy, painterly effect—zero watercolor skills required.
- Best for: Calm, minimalist interiors
- Prompt idea: "Loose watercolor calico cat, gentle blooms, white space, light spring palette"
6) Galaxy & Night-Sky Cats
Why it's great: Starry backdrops and moonlit silhouettes add drama with medium difficulty.
- Best for: Intermediate painters who love celestial themes
- Prompt idea: "Black cat silhouette on a rooftop, Milky Way sky, glowing moon, deep blues and purples"
7) Floral & Botanical Cats
Why it's great: Soft petals and fur textures create satisfying contrast; great for color harmony practice.
- Best for: Gifts and seasonal decor
- Prompt idea: "Elegant Persian cat framed by peonies and eucalyptus, pastel palette, gentle bokeh"
8) Pop Art Cats
Why it's great: High-impact color blocks and minimal blending—fast, fun, and very "gallery wall."
- Best for: Beginners who love bold color
- Prompt idea: "Siamese cat in pop-art style, four-panel layout, complementary color pairs"
9) Cozy Home Scenes
Why it's great: Storytelling settings—windowsills, bookshelves, yarn baskets—add personality without tiny detail overload.
- Best for: Weekend hobbyists looking for therapeutic painting experiences
- Prompt idea: "Sleepy ginger cat on a windowsill with plants, warm afternoon light, soft shadows"
10) Fantasy Cats
Why it's great: Think "wizard's companion" or "forest guardian." Fun color palettes, medium complexity.
- Best for: Creative painters and teens
- Prompt idea: "Mystical black cat with glowing runes in an enchanted forest, teal and gold accents"
How to Choose the Right Cat Kit
1) Pick a Canvas Size That Matches Your Goals
Smaller canvases are quicker to finish and make great gifts. Larger canvases show more detail—ideal for portraits and statement walls.
2) Match the Color Count to Your Skill Level
Lower color counts (e.g., ~24) paint faster with big blocks—perfect for beginners. Mid-range (~36) balances speed and depth. Higher (~48) reveals fine fur and eye detail for realistic results.
3) Choose a Style You'll Enjoy Painting
Love smooth blends? Try watercolor-style. Prefer bold lines? Go pop art. If you want your own pet's face on canvas, choose a custom cat paint-by-numbers kit with Paintby.ai.
4) What a Quality Kit Should Include
- Pre-printed, numbered canvas
- Numbered acrylic paints (sealed to prevent drying)
- Assorted brushes for broad areas and fine fur lines
- Clear step-by-step instructions and reference image
- Optional DIY frame for easy display
5) Why Paintby.ai for Cat Lovers?
With Paintby.ai, you don't have to search endlessly for the "perfect" cat image—describe it, preview it, refine it, and we'll ship the full kit to your door. Enjoy unlimited artwork revisions before ordering, multiple canvas sizes, and premium materials. It's the easiest way to turn your imagination—or your cat's photo—into a numbered masterpiece.
For comprehensive guidance on creating personalized kits, explore our detailed custom paint-by-numbers guide which covers everything from photo selection to final kit customization.
See how it works or compare sizes and options.
Pro Tips for Picture-Perfect Results
- Prime your workspace: Good lighting and a flat surface reduce eye strain and mistakes.
- Start light to dark: It's easier to deepen shadows later than to brighten muddy areas.
- Mind the fur: Paint in short directional strokes where possible to mimic hair flow.
- Seal it: After drying, consider a clear acrylic sealer for protection and pop.
- Frame it: A simple wood frame elevates the final piece—great for gifting.
Cat Paint-by-Numbers FAQs
Are cat paint-by-numbers good for beginners?
Yes. Choose a simpler style (cute kitten, pop art) and a lower color count for faster, confidence-building wins.
Can I make a kit from a photo of my cat?
Absolutely. Upload or describe your cat, preview your art, request changes, and order your made-for-you kit from Paintby.ai.
How long will a cat kit take to finish?
It depends on canvas size, color count, and your pace. Small kits are weekend-friendly; large detailed portraits take longer but deliver stunning results.
What size is best for portraits?
Go larger for realistic fur and eye detail. Smaller sizes work well for simpler, stylized designs.
Design Your Custom Cat Kit
Create a paint by numbers cat you can't find anywhere else. Generate a unique artwork, tweak it until it's perfect, and get a premium kit with canvas, paints, brushes, and instructions—delivered to your door.
Conclusion: Whether you want a lifelike portrait, a charming kitten, or bold abstract art, the right cat paint-by-numbers kit turns creativity into a keepsake. With Paintby.ai's custom kit creation technology, you control the look, the size, and the vibe—so every brushstroke feels personal.