Fold-up Feline

Cats are among the toughest subjects to capture in origami. This model is in a crouched pose that is unique to felines. Keeping the form simple highlights this. The crimp on the hind legs (step 23) adds additional volume to the body. It is important not to extend this fold to the top edge to allow for the spine to spread flat. There are more curved folds in the face, adding even more dimension.

Begin with the display color side facing down. Form a fish base by folding each of the folds shown.

Fold halfway. Unfold.

Squash, using the existing creases as a guide.

Valley fold the top layer to the right.

Undo the side reverse folds.

Swivel the raw edges to the creases.

Inside reverse fold the sides back in.

Fold along the angle bisectors. Unfold.

Valley fold all of the layers through the intersection of creases.

Pull the single layer around to the surface.

Swing the single layer back to the right.

Valley fold the raw edges to the creases, allowing a squash to form.

Fold, while avoiding creasing the center. Unfold.

Lightly fold the model in half.

Inside reverse fold the corner to the tips of the feet.

Petal fold the tail up.

Inside reverse fold, so edge A lies at 90 degrees.

Inside reverse fold, so edge B lies at 90 degrees.

Lightly fold. Unfold.

Inside reverse fold.

Outside reverse fold.

Pull out a single layer from both sides.

Crimp the legs forward.

Tuck the front legs into the pocket in the back legs.

Lightly swing the single layers over.

Valley fold along the neck.

Spread apart the layers of the head, allowing it to become convex.

Pleat the bottom of the head.

Inside reverse fold the inner corners.

Mountain fold the bottom flap up inside the head.

The completed Fold-up Feline.