Knit the Sleeves:
- With size 7 US (4.5 mm) needles and main color, cast on 38 (42, 42, 42, 46, 46) stitches.
- Establish 2x2 rib on Row 1: K1, *K2, P2. Repeat from * to last stitch, K1.
- Work 1.5 inches in 2x2 rib, ending with a right side row.
- Next row: Purl.
- Next row: Knit.
- Continue to work in Stockinette Stitch, increasing at either end of every fourth row 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) times and then every sixth row 4 (5, 6, 6, 6, 6) times until there are 54 (60, 62, 64, 68, 70) stitches.
- Work straight until piece measures 9.5 (10, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5) inches, ending with a wrong side row.
- Bind off. Make two.
Finishing:
Using Detailed Cat Chart, work the cat's eyes, nose, whiskers and outline in duplicate stitch.
Place the back and front together, with wrong sides facing out. Join shoulder seams using the 3 needle bind off.
Fold sleeves in half lengthwise and pin into place, with center of sleeve at shoulder seam. Sew the side and sleeve seams.
Work the Neck:
With the circular needle, pick up and knit 10 (11, 11, 11, 11, 11) stitches down left front of neck, knit the 16 (16, 18, 18, 20, 20) stitches from the holder at front neck, pick up and knit 10 (11, 11, 11, 11, 11) stitches up right front of neck, and knit the 24 (26, 28, 28, 30, 30) stitches from the back. There are 60 (64, 68, 68, 72, 72) stitches. Place marker and join in the round.
Work in 2x2 ribbing for 1 (1, 1, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5) inches. For a girl: join contrast color yarn and work Picot Bind Off. For a boy: join contrast color yarn and knit one round, then bind off loosely in rib.
Weave in ends end then block sweater to schematic measurements; take particular care with the cat motif to even out any tight or loose stitches.