Cat In The Hat Craft (Free Hat Template)

Are you looking for a fun craft to celebrate Seuss’s birthday or Read Across America Day? Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or a fan of Dr. Seuss’s books, this Cat in the Hat craft is the perfect way to bring the magic of Dr. Seuss the Cat into your home or classroom.

This easy craft is perfect for kids of all ages, from preschoolers to older kids, and uses basic craft supplies you probably already have! Check out our ultimate list of Dr. Seuss craft ideas and coloring pages to keep the fun going!

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy here.

Table of Contents

Materials Needed to Make This Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat Craft:

Colored Construction Paper (red and white)
Scissors
Glue or any adhesive
Black Markers
Printable Cat in the Hat template (Get your free printable template below!)
Cardstock or paper plate (optional for sturdier hats)

Craft supplies: red paper, scissors, glue stick, marker, and a printed hat outline.

Want to make it extra fun? Try using tissue paper, red paint, or even a paper bag for a 3D effect!

Step 1: Download and Print the Template

Before you begin, download the free Cat in the Hat template and print it on white cardstock for best results. If you don’t have a printer, don’t worry! You can quickly draw your template using a black marker.

hat template on white paper and scissors beside it

Step 2: Cut Out the Hat Pieces

Use scissors to carefully cut out the hat, red stripes, and brim. If you’re working with younger kids, you may need to assist them with cutting. This is a great craft for practicing fine motor skills!

Step 3: Trace & Cut Red Stripes

Place the printable stripes onto a red construction paper sheet and trace them.

Then, cut them out.

cut out the red strips to add to the hat

If you’re using red paint, this is the step where kids get to explore by touch and paint the stripes instead.

Step 4: Assemble the Hat

Start by gluing the red stripes onto the hat template, alternating between red and white sections to match Dr. Seuss’s Cat’s famous hat. Secure the brim at the bottom with glue.

Hat assembled with alternating red and white stripes

Step 5: Outline with a Black Marker

For an authentic Seuss look, outline the edges of the hat with a black marker, adding some curved strokes to mimic the book’s illustrations.

Hat with additional black details for a hand-drawn effect

Step 6: Show Off Your Seuss Craft!

And just like that, your Cat in the Hat craft is complete!

Why This Cat in the Hat Craft Is a Must-Try!

March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s big day! This craft is a fantastic way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday in style.
Cutting, gluing, and assembling the Cat in the Hat printable craft helps little hands develop dexterity.
Pair this hat craft with a reading of The Cat in the Hat for a fun and easy activity.
Use different materials like construction paper, cardstock, or even a paper plate to mix things up.

How to Make this Craft Even More Unique

Want to make this craft even more unique? Try these fun twists!

Paper Plate Cat in the Hat – Cut a paper plate into a circle, attach the hat to the top, and let kids decorate a Seuss-inspired cat face below!
Handprint Cat in the Hat – Use handprints as the hat’s brim for a personalized handprint craft.
Paper Bag Puppet—Attach the hat to a paper bag to create a puppet for Thing 1 and Thing 2!

Download and Print Your Free Cat in the Hat Printable

Grab your free printable Cat in the Hat template to make crafting easier! This printable craft is perfect for classrooms, home, or pre-K activities.

More Dr. Seuss Crafts & Activities

If your kids love Dr. Seuss books, here are more Seuss-inspired activities to try:

The Lorax Handprint Art – A fun and creative handprint craft inspired by The Lorax, perfect for teaching kids about caring for the environment!
Green Eggs and Ham Handprint Art – Bring Green Eggs and Ham to life with this fun craft that turns little hands into a quirky keepsake!
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Craft – Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s most mischievous characters with this easy-to-make Thing 1 and Thing 2 craft!
Cat in the Hat Hat (Free Printable) – Want another hat craft idea? Try this Cat in the Hat craft, perfect for Read Across America Day!

Celebrate Dr. Seuss with This Easy Dr. Seuss Craft!

This Cat in the Hat craft is a fun and easy way to celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday and Read Across America Day. It’s easy to follow, uses basic craft supplies, and will be a hit with younger and older kids alike!

So grab your printables, worksheet, and construction paper, and start crafting in honor of Dr. Seuss! Have fun, and happy crafting!