If you’re looking for a fun and educational craft to add to your around the world or Egypt learning unit, this Egyptian cat craft is perfect!
Inspired by the elegant cats of ancient Egypt, this activity lets kids create their own stylish feline using our free printable.
It’s a fantastic way for children to explore Egyptian culture and history while getting creative with their designs.
With just a few simple steps, your little ones will have a beautiful, handmade cat that looks like it came straight from the temples of ancient Egypt.
Also be sure to look at the bottom of this article for some interesting facts about the significance of cats in ancient Egypt!
Egyptian Cat Craft
Materials
- Egyptian cat craft template (available for download below)
- Black paper
- Markers or colored pencils
- Gold metallic marker (optional)
Instructions
Begin by coloring in the collar, ear, and eyes of the cat. Kids can have fun choosing any colors they like to make their cat unique.
Next, cut out all the pieces from the template.
Then, trace the cat shape onto black paper and cut it out.
Now, glue the collar, eye, and ear onto the black cat shape.
If you want, you can use a black pen to draw extra details on the cat, like its feet and legs.
Finally, grab a metallic gold pen and add some fancy embellishments to your cat. This step is optional, but it really makes your cat stand out and look extra special.
And there you have it—your very own Egyptian cat craft!
This fun and easy project is a great way to learn about ancient Egyptian culture while getting creative.
Whether you’re adding this to a classroom unit on Egypt or simply looking for a unique craft to do at home, these elegant cats make a fantastic addition.
We hope you enjoy making this craft as much as we did, and that your beautiful creations bring a little bit of history to life!
Interesting facts about cats in ancient Egypt
Here are some interesting facts about cats in ancient Egypt for kids:
- Cats Were Sacred Animals: In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals and were associated with the goddess Bastet, who was the goddess of home, fertility, and protection.
- Cats Were Protectors: Egyptians believed that cats had special powers to protect their homes from evil spirits and pests like mice and snakes.
- Royal Companions: Many Egyptian pharaohs and wealthy families kept cats as pets and treated them with great respect. Some cats even wore fancy jewelry!
- Punishment for Harm: It was illegal to harm or kill a cat in ancient Egypt, and the punishment for doing so could be very severe. This showed how much they valued and loved their cats.
- Mummified Cats: Just like people, cats were sometimes mummified and buried with their owners or in special cat cemeteries. This was done because Egyptians believed cats would join their owners in the afterlife.
- Cat Statues and Art: Ancient Egyptians created many statues, paintings, and carvings of cats, showing their importance in everyday life and religion.
- Cats Helped Protect Grain: Cats were kept in homes and granaries to control mice and rats, which helped protect the Egyptians’ grain supply, an important food source.
- The Egyptian Mau: The Egyptian Mau is a breed of cat believed to have descended from the cats of ancient Egypt. It’s known for its distinctive spotted coat and has a history dating back thousands of years.
- Symbol of Good Luck: In ancient Egypt, having a cat was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to a household.
- Cats in Egyptian Mythology: The goddess Bastet was often depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or domestic cat, showing the divine connection Egyptians felt with these animals.
Egyptian Cat Craft
Make your own elegant Egyptian cat with this easy paper craft!
Materials
- Egyptian cat craft template
- Black paper
- Markers or colored pencils
- Gold metallic marker (optional)
Instructions
- Download and print the Egyptian cat template.
- Color the collar, ear, and eyes of the cat.
- Cut out all pieces of the template.
- Trace the cat onto black paper and cut it out.
- Glue the collar, eye, and ear onto the black cat shape.
- Draw details on the cat with a black pen, like feet and legs.
- Use a metallic gold pen to add embellishments (optional).