Body and Head
1-Start with chain 2 (or magic ring: Start with chain 2 (or magic ring if preferred). 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook (or in magic ring). (6 sts)
2-inc (2 sc in each st) around: 6 inc (2 sc in each st) around. Mark the start of round with a stitch marker. Do not finish last sc of the sixth increase; instead, change color before pulling through final loop. (12 sts)
3-(1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (one: (1 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (one single crochet, then an increase, repeat to end). (18 sts)
4-(2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (two: (2 sc, inc) repeat 6 times (two single crochets, then an increase, repeat to end). (24 sts)
5-Round 5 (Ears): Round 5 (Ears): 3 sc (in 2 front loops: Ear 1 (work into next 2 FL only): Front loop 1: sl st, hdc, dc. Front loop 2: hdc, sl st (Mark the back loops with a stitch marker so they are not used.). 2 sc between ears. Ear 2 (work into next 2 FL only): Front loop 1: sl st, hdc. Front loop 2: dc, hdc, sl st (Again, mark back loops if helpful.). 15 sc to end of round. (24 sts)
6-Round 6 (Front Legs): Round 6 (Front Legs): 16 sc (using back loops after ears where marked). Change color before finishing the 16th sc. Front Leg 1: Puff stitch (4-partial dc puff in same stitch; then yarn over, pull through all loops). 2 sc between legs. Front Leg 2: Puff stitch (same as above). 4 sc to end of round. (24 sts)
7-Pause here to add eyes: Pause here to add eyes: Place safety eyes between the 2nd and 3rd rows, centered between the ears and above the front legs. Check alignment with legs and ears for symmetry before securing.
8-Round 7: Round 7: 24 sc around
9-Round 8: Round 8: 5 sc, inc; repeat above (5 sc, inc) once more (for a total of 2 increases); 11 sc; inc (last increase). (27 sts)
10-Round 9: Round 9: 20 sc (in main color); do not finish the 21st sc; change yarn color before pulling through; 7 sc (in contrast color) to complete round. (27 sts)
11-Round 10 (Back Legs): Round 10 (Back Legs): 17 sc (in contrast color if continuing); Back Leg 1: Puff stitch (same as before, using 4 partial dc); 6 sc; Back Leg 2: Puff stitch (as above); 2 sc to end of round. (27 sts)
12-Round 11: Round 11: 27 sc. After the round, cut the main color yarn and tie the ends together.
13-Round 12: Round 12: (1 sc, dec) repeat 9 times (one single crochet, decrease over the next 2 stitches; repeat to end). (18 sts)
14-Round 13 (Tail & Final Decreases): Round 13 (Tail & Final Decreases): 3 dec (decrease over the next 2 sts, repeat x3); Tail: ch 5, turn, starting in the 2nd ch from hook: 4 sc back along chain; 6 dec (decrease over next 2 sts, repeat x6). (You should have stitched the tail so it ends in the center as you start decreases.)
15-Stuff the cat body firmly: Stuff the cat body firmly.
16-Closing the Opening: Closing the Opening: Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. With needle, sew through the front loops of remaining stitches and pull tight to close. Secure and hide tail end inside the body.
17-Sculpt face shape: Sculpt face shape: Use doubled polyester thread and a needle. Skip one round after the legs on the underside, bring the needle to one eye corner, then to the other, passing through all face points for shaping. Tie off tightly inside the body and shape as desired.
18-Adjust ears and eyes as needed for: Adjust ears and eyes as needed for symmetry.
19-Attach nose: Attach nose: Use glue to attach the pre-made nose below the eyes, centered.