How to Draw a Caracal

In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Caracal in 8 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.

The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.

Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.

At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Caracal.

Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.

How to Draw a Caracal - Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: For the face, draw a rough and bumpy circle with two triangle shapes coming out of it for ears.

Step 2: Use large dots for the eyes and nose, arches for the inside of the ears, a small line for the mouth. Use two lines to the inside of both eyes to finish making the face.

Step 3: To draw the body, make a horizontal line that curves up and then down from the right side of the head and from the left side of the head draw a vertical line that curves right.

Step 4: Draw the front leg with two vertical lines that meet at a foot. Add lines to make three toes.

Step 5: Add one more line to draw the other front leg, as some of it will be hidden.

Step 6: Draw the hind leg like the front legs, except this time at an angle so that the foot is facing forward. Also draw the bottom of the body and the back of the body, leaving a gap for the tail.

Step 7: Draw the tail so that it twists around over the body. It should be a rounded tail and not a pointy one.

Step 8: Draw the other hind leg, even more angled than the first but still with a small part hidden behind the other hind leg. Your Caracal is now done!

Interesting Facts about Caracals

Caracals are wild cats that are native to Africa. They are the largest species of Africa’s small cats. Caracals also live in certain parts of Asia and the Middle East. They live in woodland, savanna, and scrubland habitats.

Did you know?

  • Caracals live alone or in pairs. They are mostly seen in pairs during breeding season.
  • The caracal is also called African lynx, Persian lynx or dessert lynx. They used to be considered lynxes, but scientific evidence proved that they are not.
  • On average, caracals live to be 17 years old.
  • Caracals eat birds, small mammals, lizards, and fish. Their diet depends on where they live.
  • Caracals grow to be about 18 inches tall and weigh between 35 and 40 pounds. Their tail is about a foot long.
  • Caracals have long hind legs that help them jump high.
  • Caracals communicate verbally by meowing, growling, hissing, or making a coughing sound.
  • Caracals have about 20 muscles in their ears. They use these muscles to detect prey.

The word “caracal” comes from the Turkish word “karakulak,” which means “black ear.” Caracals have tufted ears that are indeed black. They also have black markings on their face. Caracals’ fur is reddish brown. They have white fur on their chin, belly, and throat.

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