Dog and Cat Art ‘n Craft Ideas

Dog and cat art can be a great way to show your furry BFF some love while spending time with your children or even as a bonding opportunity with your pet! Getting hands (and paws) dirty in this way is especially useful to pass the time in the ever-changing throes of lockdown, and beyond.

You can opt to make art about your pets, with them or for them – whatever you choose, we’ve got you covered with great ideas. Read the article below to explore everything from origami to pet-made art…

Art is mentally stimulating, therapeutic as a mindfulness exercise, great for strengthening fine motor skills and can be educational for both pets and people. Plus, you get DIY home-décor. Win-win.

So haul out the paper, pencil, glitter, hands and paws with this guide to fun-filled pet-themed arts and crafts. Woofing a-moewsing!

Easy origami cat art for kids

Origami can be so addictive as an art form and you can glue your creation onto cards, place them on windowsills or hang them from mobiles. What’s more, there are super easy origami designs. Whether you’re five or fifty-five years old, there’s a design to challenge or satisfy you.

That makes origami ideal for kids, parents and grandparents, and you’ll never run out of designs to suit your technical ability.

Cats are the most widely owned pet in New Zealand (41% of households, followed closely by dogs for 34%), which is why we’re starting with easy origami cat art. Watch this video tutorial to see how simple it is to make cat art:

We love all pets, so we’ve compiled more easy animal origami tutorials to choose from here:

• Dog, cat, fox, fish and mouse (all in one video)
• Butterflies
• Crane
• Parakeet
• Fish
• Jumping frog

This super-cute origami pet carton can be used as party packs and decorated for any theme. Give it a go and feel free to send pictures of your cat and dog art creations to our Facebook page!

Dog and cat art for pets to do (with you)

Pawprints look cute in the sand, so imagine them in colour on paper, canvas or material! Pawprints are a wonderful way to make your pet’s signature artwork – literally.

A pawprint art can be framed and hung in your home, printed onto cushion covers, or used on card designs. So versatile! Almost no pet parent ever tires of seeing pawprints (excluding the muddy ones on your lounge or carpet, but we don’t mean those). 😊

Your pet’s happiness and safety are vital to successful pawprint art. Be sure to do it when they’re calm and only ever use pet safe washable body paint. Watch this video to see how to make dog and cat art from pawprints:

Feeling inspired? Here are 10 more art ideas for pet pawprints.

DogVinci and other pet artists

You never know what hidden artistic talent your pet has until you try. Dogs and cats rarely get a chance to use pens and paintbrushes because they don’t have opposable thumbs. But it seems the dog world has its own Jackson Pollock, Vincent Van Gogh and more. (Are pop stars next on the list?)

Dog celebrity artists are creating and even selling their artwork. One such dog is Dagger, a three-year-old Labrador mix. His owner, who’s also an artist, was inspired by his interest and adapted some paintbrushes so he could hold them.

Dagger is now known as the DogVinci of the dog art world! Watch this video to see him paint:

Dog and cat art as gifts for your pets

If you want to channel your artistic energy into something your pet can appreciate and enjoy, you’re in the right place. Pet art and craft is a great way to make your pet an item they can use daily.

Depending on your pet’s breed and personality, you can make a selection to suit them best. For instance, you may want to sew a catnip toy for your talkative Siamese cat to play with while alone. Or sew a winter warmer for your greyhound.

There are endless options, from food dispensers and plush toys to cushions and beds.

Here are some DIY dog and cat art and craft ideas to get you started on a rainy day:

• Beds. Make a pet bed from recycled material or an old suitcase
• Plush toys. Think catnip for cats and stuffed socks for dogs who are in their ‘sock phase’ (ensure they don’t chew through or swallow bits)
• Interactive toys. To keep your cat or dog mentally stimulated through solo activities and playtime
• Braided toys. Using your old clothes that your pet loves the smell of, braided toys can be made from old rags, cloths, or t-shirts
• Identification tags. A cat or dog microchip is great, but it’s still good to also have an ID tag

And for those days when you come home late from the office (unless you WFH), watch this video to see how to make a DIY food dispenser:

Pet portraits NZ

If you want to show off your beautiful cat, dog, fish or bird through pet art then having their portrait created is a popular option. There are countless variations to this theme, so you always can find one that celebrates your pet plus suits your home décor.

Whether you prefer a hand-painted canvas by a local artist or an online caricature drawing or graphic design print is up to you. If you really want to see your pet everywhere you look, there’s the humorous option of having their face printed on your socks, pillowcase or jewellery! The world’s your oyster – or rather, your pet.

Take some great snapshots of your pet to send to your choice of artist or printer. Here are some pet photography tips on lighting and more to get you started.

Of course, if you or your kids are handy with a paintbrush or pencil, you might want to try creating your pet’s portrait. It will certainly hold a special place in your heart and hopefully on your wall too. After all, who knows your furry BFF better than you do?

You might either paint them while they’re relaxing or use your photo as your reference. The latter is obviously easier and pup or puss won’t change positions halfway through 😊.

Pet insurance for dog and cat art lovers

One of the greatest ways to show pets love is with pet insurance because it’s good for their physical health and your mental health. You’ll know that in times of medical need you won’t need to first consider your finances then your pet’s wellbeing.

We know pets will go to the vet for various check-ups, and pet insurance is great for helping cover those bills. BUT when the unexpected happens to the furkids, cat insurance and dog insurance can simply be a lifesaver.