https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/general/cat-paw-facts
*Paws contain Numerous Nerve Endings and Blood Vessels, even Minor Injuries can be Painful.
Cat paws are far more than just adorable “toe beans” – they are remarkable tools that serve multiple purposes in a cat’s life.
Most cats, except cheetahs, have retractable claws that stay safely hidden in sheaths until needed for hunting, climbing, or scratching.
Their front paws feature five digits, including dewclaws, while the back paws have four, and some cats - known as polydactyl or “Hemingway cats” - can have extra toes, making their paws even more unique.
Paw pads also contain sweat glands, which help regulate stress responses, and scent glands, allowing cats to mark their territory while keeping themselves and their environment familiar.
In addition to their functional uses, cat paws are central to a cat’s grooming, hunting, and sensory behaviors.
Cats use their paws like built-in loofahs to clean hard to reach areas, and their sensitive pads act as shock absorbers and fine-tuned sensors, helping them detect vibrations, textures, and pressure.
Walking on their toes, a trait shared with some dinosaurs, allows cats to move quietly and quickly - perfect for stalking prey or evading danger. Their paw pad colors often match their fur or nose, adding to their unique appearance, while their kneading behavior (“making biscuits”) serves both as a comfort ritual and a way to mark objects with their scent.
Regular paw care is essential for maintaining a cat’s health.
Because Paws contain Numerous Nerve Endings and Blood Vessels, even Minor Injuries can be Painful.
Cat parents should routinely check for dirt, foreign objects, cracks, swelling, or signs of infection, clean paws with water, and use cat safe paw balms to nourish dry or cracked pads.
Keeping nails trimmed and monitoring paw health, combined with providing scratching posts and safe surfaces, ensures that these incredible tools remain both functional and protected, supporting cats’ physical, emotional, and sensory well being.
Chewy editorial team believes that a cat’s paws are not only marvels of nature but also gateways to the joy, curiosity, and love that cats bring into our lives. By understanding and caring for these delicate tools, pet parents can deepen their connection with their feline companions and ensure their comfort and happiness. Every gentle paw press, playful knead, and quiet step reminds us of the unique bond we share with our cats - a bond full of trust, affection, and wonder.
