Many cat owners observe distinct differences in their feline companion’s paws, especially concerning the number of digits. While it might appear that cats consistently have only four toes on their back feet, the broader reality of feline paw anatomy presents a more varied picture.
The Standard Feline Paw: Front Versus Rear
A typical domestic cat has a specific number of digits on its front and rear paws. Cats generally have five toes on each front paw and four on each back paw, totaling 18 digits. Each toe features its own digital paw pad, small individual cushions on the underside of each digit. Beyond these, a larger central pad, known as the metacarpal pad on the front paws and the metatarsal pad on the back paws, provides cushioning and stability.
The structure of these paw pads, composed of tough skin, fatty tissue, and collagen, allows cats to move silently and absorb impact. On their front paws, an additional small pad, the carpal pad, is located higher up on the inner leg, thought to assist with traction during sudden stops or descents. While the main four toes on each paw make direct ground contact, the fifth digit on the front paw, known as the dewclaw, is positioned higher and does not touch the ground during normal walking.
Understanding the Dewclaw’s Role
The dewclaw is a unique digit found on the inner side of a cat’s front legs, positioned above the other four toes. Analogous to a human thumb, it is not weight-bearing during locomotion but serves functions. Cats use their dewclaws for extra grip when climbing, such as ascending or descending trees. This specialized digit also assists in holding and securing prey, providing an additional claw.
When playing with toys or handling objects, cats may engage their dewclaws to stabilize items. Front dewclaws are a standard and functional feature, but are generally absent on a cat’s rear paws. If present on the hind legs, they are often considered non-functional and may be more loosely attached, sometimes posing a risk of getting snagged. Because dewclaws do not wear down naturally from ground contact, regular trimming is important to prevent them from growing too long and curling into the paw pad.
Beyond the Standard: Polydactyl Cats
While most cats conform to the standard toe count, some are born with more digits due to a genetic condition called polydactyly. This inherited trait results in extra toes on one or more paws. The term “polydactyl” derives from the Greek for “many fingers.” Polydactyly most commonly manifests on the front paws, leading to appearances described as “mitten paws” or “thumb cats.”
The number of extra toes can vary, with some polydactyl cats having six, seven, or even more digits per paw. While a genetic mutation, polydactyly is generally harmless to the cat’s health. The increased paw size and additional digits can offer advantages, such as improved grip or balance. Though extra toes are more prevalent on front paws, they can occasionally appear on the hind paws, or even all four paws, though this is less common.