How to Make Cat Ears Out of Paper That Last All Night
To make cat ears out of paper, cut two triangles about 3 to 3.5 inches tall from black cardstock, score a line down the middle of each, fold them slightly so they have a ridge, and add a tab at the base. Glue a smaller pink or grey triangle inside, then hot glue the tabs to a headband or two hair clips. The center fold is what keeps paper ears standing up all night.
If your ears are done but the rest of the black cat is still a question mark, The Costume Rack builds the whole look from your closet: Start my costume.
What you need
- Black cardstock (the heavier the better; a cereal box painted black works for cardboard cat ears)
- Pink, grey or glitter paper for the inner ear
- Scissors and a pencil
- A ruler and something to score with (a dry ballpoint pen or butter knife)
- Glue: a glue stick for layers, hot glue or strong tape for mounting
- A thin headband or two alligator hair clips
- Optional: black tape, a black marker to cover white paper edges
Printer paper alone is too floppy. If that is all you have, glue two or three sheets together first.
Getting the ear shape right for adults
Most paper cat ear tutorials are sized for small kids, which is why they look tiny on a teen or adult head. Here are proportions that look right:
| Style | Height | Base width | Look |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small and cute | 2.5 in | 2.5 in | Subtle, good for school or work |
| Classic black cat | 3 to 3.5 in | 3 in | The standard, reads well in photos |
| Cosplay size | 4 in | 3.5 in | Bold, anime and cosplay looks |
Drawing the template
- On your cardstock, draw a triangle with the height and base you picked.
- Curve the two long sides outward very slightly. Real cat ears are not perfectly straight.
- Round the tip just a little so it is not sharp.
- Add a rectangular tab, about half an inch tall, along the bottom edge.
- Cut it out, trace it for ear number two, and cut again.
For a curved headband, make the tab slightly curved too, so it hugs the band.
Folding so they stand up
This is the step most people skip, and it is why paper ears flop.
The center score fold
- Lay the ruler from the tip to the middle of the base.
- Press firmly along it with a dry pen to score a line.
- Fold the ear very slightly along that line, so it has a gentle ridge like a tent.
- Fold the tab backward along the base line.
The ridge gives the paper strength in the same way a folded sheet of paper stands up when a flat one would not.
Extra support for a long night
- Glue a thin strip of cardboard (from a cereal box) along the back of the center fold.
- Or double the ear: glue two cut-outs back to back before folding.
- Curve the base a little around a marker so it cups forward like a real ear.
Adding inner-ear color
- Trace your template onto pink, grey or glitter paper.
- Cut it about half an inch smaller all round.
- Glue it to the front of each ear, lining up the bottom edges.
- Score and fold it with the ear so the ridge runs through both layers.
Want a fluffy look? Glue a few strips of cotton wool or faux fur to the inner ear. For an all-black look, skip the inner ear and outline the edge in silver marker.
It is easy to spend an hour on perfect ears and then realise the outfit, tail and makeup are still undecided.
The Costume Rack builds the rest of the black cat for you. Pick your vibe, tell it what is in your closet, and it lists every piece, where to find the missing ones, a version from what you own and a no-makeup build. Start my costume
Mounting on a band or clips
On a headband (how to make cat ears headband style)
- Put the headband on and mark where your ears should sit: about 2 inches either side of center, angled slightly forward.
- Add a line of hot glue to the tab and press it onto the band from behind.
- Wrap the join with black tape so it is hidden and stronger.
- Let it cool before wearing.
On hair clips
Glue each tab to the top of an alligator clip. Clip into your hair at the angle you want. Clips are great if headbands give you a headache, and they blend with dark hair.
Hair cat ears (no paper at all)
If you want to know how to make cat ears with hair, make two small high buns or twisted triangles on top of your head and pin them. It pairs well with paper ears on a friend in a group costume.
Finishing the cat look
Here is how to dress up as a black cat with things most people own.
Black cat costume women and adults
- All black: a black top with leggings, jeans, a skirt or a dress
- Black tights and boots or flats
- A tail made from a black stocking or sleeve stuffed with tissue, pinned to your waistband
- Eyeliner flick, a small black nose and whiskers
Cat costume for guys
A black hoodie and black jeans, the paper ears (or ears on the hood), and a simple nose and whiskers. Clean and easy.
No-makeup cat
Ears, all black clothes and a tail. That is enough. A tutu also turns into a cute cat; see Halloween costume with a tutu.
Cats are great in groups too. A witch and her black cat is a classic duo, and three cats in three ear colors is an easy trio (more in Halloween costume ideas for teens trio).
Ears done, costume next
Now you know how to make cat ears out of paper that stand up all night, the rest takes about two minutes. The Costume Rack matches your vibe and closet to the black cat (or another of its sixteen costumes), lists every piece with a "Find it" link, and gives you a no-makeup build.
FAQ
How do you make paper cat ears stand up?
Score a line down the center of each ear and fold it slightly so it has a ridge. Heavy cardstock plus a cardboard strip along the back keeps them upright all night.
How big should cat ears be for adults?
About 3 to 3.5 inches tall with a 3 inch base for a classic black cat. Go 4 inches tall for cosplay, or 2.5 inches for a subtle look.
How do you make cat ears with cardboard?
Use the same template on a cereal box, then paint it black or cover it with black paper. Cardboard ears are sturdier but slightly heavier, so mount them with strong glue.
How do I dress up as a black cat easily?
Wear all black, add cat ears and a tail, and draw on a nose and whiskers. You can skip makeup entirely and still read as a cat.
Can I make cat ears without a headband?
Yes. Glue the ears to alligator clips, or style your hair into two small buns on top of your head as cat ears.