How do cat paws work?

Unlike other creatures, such as humans who walk on the soles of their feet, cats are digitigrades and walk on their tiptoes. This makes them very agile, quick, and quiet too – hence the phrase ‘cat burglar’.

Both front paws have five digits (toes) while the rear two have just four. The back paws are stronger than the front and can better tolerate impacts when running and jumping. For every digit there is a digital pad, which cushions the foot. An additional large pad in the middle of each paw consists of three fleshy lobes to help absorb shocks and support the main leg bone. This is called the metatarsal pad on the hind paws and the metacarpal pad on the fore paws.

As well as the pads, each digit also features a sharp claw. Like human fingernails, the claws grow constantly and are made of keratin protein encased in hard, dead keratin cells. The front claws are usually sharper than the rear ones and to keep them sharp, when not in use the claws are protected by the skin and fur around the paw.

Meanwhile, to prevent them growing too long and potentially resulting in painful ingrown claws, cats can keep their claws short by using them for climbing, fighting and self-defence. They can also be trimmed by a vet and the use of a scratching pole will help file them down a bit too.