Cats are very cute and cute, especially those pair of paws. When the cat paw cups sold by Starbucks were sold out, you know how popular cat paws are. Cat claws are not only cute, but their pads have many functions. Let’s learn about them together!

1. Cats are toe walking animals

We all know that cats usually walk without making any sound, as if they have silencers on their feet. In fact, they walk on their toes! Since cats are ambush predators, this characteristic of cats ensures that they do not make any noise when hunting. Alert prey, increasing your chances of a successful hunt by increasing your speed and lengthening your stride.

　2. Nails grow from bones

Unlike human nails, which grow from the flesh between the fingers, cat nails grow from the bones, so this is why declawing is so hated. In fact, declawing removes the cat's bones, which is equivalent to amputating the cat. Lost the first human finger.

Image source: members.petfinder.com

3. Press the flesh pad and the claws will come out

Those who have raised both cats and dogs should know that the biggest difference between them is that cats’ claws can flexibly retract. The free contraction and extension of the claws help cats climb and hunt. This is one of the reasons why they are good at climbing trees.

Although this is convenient for climbing trees, it is not helpful for descending trees. Cats come down from trees with their heads down and no point of contact for their claws. In addition, their front legs and paws are weaker than their more muscular hind legs, which is why cats sometimes get stuck in trees and cannot get down.

　4. Cats are also left-handed

Although studies vary on whether cats are right- or left-handed, researchers agree that cats do have a paw preference, especially when performing challenging tasks. A study conducted by Queens University in Ireland showed that gender is related to paw dominance. Their data showed that male cats preferred to use their left paws, while female cats preferred to use their right paws.

You can find out which paw your cat prefers by setting some difficult tasks for her, such as placing tasty treats in hard-to-reach places to catch "cats." To get the most accurate readings on a cat's claws, this task needs to be repeated at least 75 times.

5. Meat pads are natural shock absorbers and sensors

As a natural jumper, cats jump from high places toAlways landing quietly and steadily. This is thanks to their soft little pads, which not only absorb sound, but also reduce the impact after jumping and act as a buffer to prevent cats from falling when they jump from high places.

Their paws are very sensitive and contain a large number of nerve receptors, giving them important information about their surroundings. They can feel vibrations, pressure and texture through their paw pads, which can help cats assess the activity and proximity of prey.

But sensitivity also comes at a price. They are very sensitive to temperature, pressure and pain. Upholstery does not insulate and can be severely damaged by hot or icy streets and rough surfaces.

　6. Cats have “sweaty feet”!

The sweat glands of cats are located between their waxy paws. In addition to sweating in hot weather, cats who are usually frightened and nervous will also sweat from the bottom of their paws.

Just like when we are nervous and sweat when speaking in front of a crowd, they will also feel nervous and anxious in certain situations, such as going to the hospital. At this time, you may find that the soles of their feet are sweating.

7. Not all cats are pink pads

Did you notice? The color of a cat's paw pads usually matches the cat's fur, and sometimes the color of the paw pads will match the color of the nose. White cats usually have pink paw pads, and cats with gray fur usually have gray paw pads.

The pigments that make up the fur are the same as the color of the skin, so on the pads of hairy cats (such as tortoiseshell cats or calico cats), you will see more interesting color combinations: there may be two pink flesh balls at the top. The rest of the balls are all black; or maybe the toes and pads are completely different colors.

8. Cat’s claws are hidden odor factories

Hidden deep in the furry cat paws are mysterious scent glands. The odor secretions will remain along with the sweat stains secreted by the cat's pads when walking. So cats occupy territory as they walk.

Whenever a cat purrs, steps on her breasts or scratches at the scratching post, she is actually marking her territory with her scent. This is actually a special mixture of pheromones that is unique to cats, just like human fingerprints.

The human nose usually cannot detect these odors, but other cats can read the "message" your cat leaves. So, when you are enjoying the cat’s milk massage or kissing and cuddling, the cat’s claws are also working overtime to leave their own scent on you, declaring that you are theirs.

Cats like to be wrapped in their familiar scent, so they will never tire of itThey instinctively catch various things around them, which not only makes them feel at ease, but also makes the cat confirm that he is still the lord of this territory. So if your cat also likes to leave claws everywhere, then prepare more cat scratching supplies for them, such as corrugated cat scratching boards/cartons, cat posts, etc.

Finally, don’t forget to check your cat’s paws regularly~

Cat’s claws are very sensitive and have a large number of nerve endings and blood vessels. If they are injured, they will be very painful. Therefore, even if they do not show obvious lameness or injury, we should pay attention to their paw health in daily life.

Check your paw pads for hidden dirt, foreign matter, burrs, swelling, wounds, signs of bleeding or infection, and trim your nails regularly. Also note that because cats always use their paws to clean and groom themselves, it is very dangerous to have chemical cleaners left on the floor, as the cat may eat them while licking its paws.

Finally, let me tell you a little secret: the cat’s paws must be placed on your hands.