It looks like you’re getting ready for Halloween.
You buy your furball a spooky costume. Then, you crochet a hat to complete the look. Maybe you also add a few cat-themed decorative figurines here and there.
You’re almost done, but aren’t you forgetting something? A jack-o’lantern! Everybody needs at least one jack-o’-lantern!
And since you went this far with the spooky-feline theme, I can only assume you want a cat on your jack-o’lantern, too. Don’t worry; this post will help you out.
Here’s a list of cat pumpkin carving ideas for all skill levels and artistic styles:
Table of Contents
1. Cheshire Cat
I couldn’t find anything better to kick off the list with than this Cheshire carving. It checks all the right boxes.
Spooky? Check. Highly detailed but still doable? Check. Immediately recognizable? Check.
It also photographs well, which will go a long way if you want to brag about your carving skills online.
2. Grumpy Cat
Those who want to bring a fun twist to their jack-o’-lantern display can go for a cat meme. Grumpy Cat is a prime candidate, especially if you want people to know you have an angry cat at home.
3. Paw Print Pumpkin
If Grumpy Cat is too complicated, do a paw print. All you need are four oval-ish shapes (for the toe beans) and one triangle with rounded edges beneath them. It doesn’t get simpler than that!
Here’s a heart bonus: This carving pattern works for dog people, too.
4. Vintage My Witches
You can’t have Halloween decor without some witches. And you can’t have witches without a black cat. It’s a weird (and a bit unfair) association, but it’s undeniably iconic.
So, here’s an impressive carving of three witches and a spooky black kitty stealing the spotlight.
Note: When doing this level of detail, consider working on a foam “faux” pumpkin. After all, you don’t want all this effort to go to waste in a few days.
Related: Black Cat and Orange Cat: 7 Photos and Quirky Facts to Cheer Your Day
5. Pretty Sphynx
Let me make one thing clear: Sphynx cats are anything but creepy or devious.
These hairless babies are affectionate, outgoing, and sometimes outright elegant. So, when you put a Sphynx face on a carving, it might not be spooky. However, it’ll still turn a lot of heads.
6. Spooky Cemetery (Minus the Cemetery Part)
Bats, a cracked skull, an arched-back pose, and creeping vines—this pumpkin carving pattern has it all. Maybe the scene is missing a tombstone, but I can’t complain. Nobody wants an overly busy pattern on the jack-o’-lantern.
7. Moon Cat
If this foam pumpkin carving was good enough for Pets at Home’s 2020 Halloween promotion pictures, it’s good enough for me.
It’s got the details, the contrast, and the strong silhouette. It sort of tells a story all on its own.
8. Catwoman
Speaking of stories, are you a fan of comic books? Do you happen to be a DC guy as well? I’m only asking because this Catwoman outline jack-o’-lantern could be the perfect choice.
9. Jiji
Maybe you’re more of a Studio Ghibli fan. That’s okay; there’s a cat-themed pumpkin carving for you, too.
Celebrate your Halloween with Kiki’s companion, Jiji. And if you’ve got enough time on your hands, you could carve a Lily on another pumpkin to display next to your Jiji. How cute!
10. Scrawny, Sad Boy
Are you looking for something that looks like it took a lot of time but was done relatively quickly? Go for an artsy carving.
The stylistic choices here are all spot on, from the thick lines to the high contrast.
11. Hi Ya Cat
This pumpkin carving is goofy, welcoming, and slightly creepy all at once. But hey, this mixed vibe might be what you need in your Halloween decor this year.
Related: 19 Cat Costumes For Halloween: The Fun, The Spooky, And The Odd
12. Phantom Feline
Part ghost and part kitty—this guy is ready to take center stage in the jack-o’-lantern display in your front yard.
Here’s the cherry on top: You don’t have to freehand the pattern and risk ruining the outline (and your only pumpkin). You don’t have to draw it yourself, either.
Acana has a printable stencil for you to use.
13. Cool Ski Guy
Do you follow Liebchen’s adventures on Instagram? Yes? Okay, then carve his pretty little face (ski mask and everything) on one of your pumpkins.
14. 3D Goof Ball
If you want to try 3D pumpkin carving, I’d recommend starting small, experimenting with a tongue here and a tooth there.
Once you nail these simple additions, you can move on to complex sculpture ideas.
15. Custom Furball Portrait
You could carve goofy cats, spooky cats, famous cats, cartoon cats, or even meme cats on your pumpkin. Or you could carve your furball.
Try to capture her personality with some extra carvings on the side. This way, everyone will get the chance to know your kitty better.
Bonus Pic: Whatever This Guy Is Doing
I have no idea what pattern this big guy will leave behind on his pumpkin. And I don’t dare to ask.
Whatever he’s carving, I’m sure it’ll look pretty.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you found a carving pattern that works for your cat-theme Halloween decorations.
Things should be fairly easy if your chosen pattern comes with a printable guide/stencil. If not, you’ll want to plan and draw a sketch on tracing paper first.
Then, when you’re done carving, don’t forget to seal up your pumpkin inside and out with petroleum jelly. This way, the insects, germs, and elements won’t get to the exposed pumpkin “flesh” and ruin all your hard work.
Fingers crossed, you’ll be the proud owner of the spookiest cat-parent house on the block!
