Learn how to draw a rat step by step with this easy guide! Follow simple instructions to create a cute rat.

How to Draw a Rat – Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Rats are fascinating and intelligent creatures that have been part of human history for centuries. Whether you see them as cute pets, clever survivors, or iconic characters in books and movies, learning how to draw a rat can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover an easy way to sketch a cartoon-style rat, making it perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike.

Why Draw a Rat?

Rats often get a bad reputation, but they are actually highly intelligent and social animals. They can solve puzzles, learn tricks, and even show emotions like happiness and excitement. Plus, they have been featured in many famous stories, including:

Remy from “Ratatouille” – a talented chef rat from the beloved Pixar movie.
Templeton from “Charlotte’s Web” – a mischievous and resourceful rat.
The Rat in “The Wind in the Willows” – a wise and adventurous character.

What You’ll Learn in This Guide

This tutorial is designed to be simple and easy to follow. You’ll learn:

How to draw basic shapes to form the rat’s body.
How to add details like whiskers, ears, and a tail.
How to color and customize your rat to make it unique.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fully drawn and colored rat that you can be proud of!

What You Need to Get Started

Before you begin, gather your drawing tools:

Pencil – for sketching the basic shapes.
Black pen or marker – to outline your final drawing.
Colored pencils or markers – for coloring your rat.
Paper or sketchbook – to bring your creation to life!

If you want to make changes easily, start with light pencil strokes before outlining with ink. This way, you can erase mistakes and adjust the shape until you’re happy with your drawing.

Ready to Start Drawing?

Now that you’re all set, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions! Follow along, and soon you’ll have a cute and expressive rat drawing of your own. Let’s get started!

Time needed: 15 minutes

How to Draw a Rat

Draw the Head Shape
Start by drawing an oval shape for the rat’s head. Make it slightly tilted to give the rat a more natural look.
Add Facial Features
Inside the oval, draw a small circle for the eye and a tiny oval for the nose. Then, add a curved line for the mouth to give the rat a friendly expression.
Draw the Whiskers and Teeth
Extend a few thin lines from the sides of the nose to create whiskers. Then, draw two small front teeth slightly sticking out from the mouth.
Add the Ears
On top of the head, draw two rounded ears. Each ear should have an inner curved line to add detail and make them look more realistic.
Sketch the Body
From the bottom of the head, draw a large curved shape for the rat’s body. It should be wider at the bottom and slightly rounded, giving the rat a plump and cute appearance.
Depict the Arms
On each side of the body, draw two short arms with a slight curve. The arms should be thin and rounded to match the cartoon style.
Add the Hands and Feet
Now, draw small hands with three tiny fingers at the end of each arm. Then, add two long toes to complete the rat’s stance.
Add the Tail
Extend a long, thin tail from the back of the body. The tail should curve slightly to make the drawing more dynamic.
Add Color
Finally, color your rat! Use gray or brown for the body, pink for the ears, nose, and paws, and white for the teeth. You can also add shading for a more detailed look.

You Did It!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to draw a rat step by step. Whether you followed the tutorial exactly or added your own creative touch, you should be proud of your work. Drawing takes practice, and every new sketch helps you improve your skills. Let’s go over a few final thoughts and ways you can continue your artistic journey!

Keep Practicing and Experimenting

Now that you know how to draw a rat, why not take it a step further? Here are a few ideas to challenge yourself:

Try different poses – Make your rat sitting, running, or even holding something.
Change the style – Try a realistic rat, a chibi-style rat, or even a fantasy version!
Create a story – Add a background or draw multiple rats interacting.

The more you draw, the more confident you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process!

Share Your Artwork!

Drawing is even more fun when you share it with others! Show your finished rat drawing to your family and friends, or post it online. If you’re proud of your work, consider joining art communities where you can get feedback, inspiration, and support from fellow artists.

Explore More Drawing Tutorials!

Want to keep improving your drawing skills? There are many more fun and easy tutorials waiting for you! Check out HowToDrawEasy.net for step-by-step guides on how to draw:

Other animals – Mice, cats, dogs, or even a dragon!
Cartoon characters – Fun and expressive figures.
Objects and scenery – From houses to trees, you can learn to draw it all!

Each tutorial is designed to help beginners and make drawing enjoyable. So, pick your next lesson and keep creating!

Final Words – Keep Drawing and Have Fun!

Drawing is all about expressing yourself and having fun. Whether you’re drawing as a hobby or want to become a skilled artist, remember that every sketch is a step forward. Keep practicing, experimenting, and most importantly—enjoy the process!

Thank you for following this tutorial, and happy drawing!