Fingers in cats: their functions and number

Cats have lived "side by side" with people since ancient times. Despite their wayward and independent nature, these amazing creations of nature are universal favorites of cat lovers of all ages. It has been noticed that in people in whose dwellings cats live, the risk of heart attack and stroke is significantly reduced. They have no equal in physical capabilities.

The specificity of the structure of the paws gives special grace and elegance to the movements of all representatives of the feline family. There are many nerve endings and receptors on the pads, which provide high sensitivity. Felines are able to pick up the subtlest vibrations, which helps these versatile hunters find prey at the slightest rustle. The cat will feel the upcoming earthquake much earlier than the owner.

Feline toes have an elastic pad without a wool covering, and each pad contains a sharp sickle-shaped claw. With the help of tendons and muscles, cats pull their claws into a kind of "sheath" made of leather, reminiscent of a scabbard. The retracted claws do not interfere with cats at all when walking. But if you need to climb vertically, defend against enemies, grab prey, the animals instantly spread their fingers and "remove from the scabbard" their formidable weapon - they release sharp claws.

Amble gives the cat additional maneuverability and stability, helps to quickly pick up speed and change the direction of running, practically without slowing down.

Cats walk on their toes like ballerinas. It is the fingers that play the main role in the movement of felines. They do not step on the entire foot, but walk on tiptoe. The mobility and flexibility of feline fingers allows animals to move quickly and silently, sneak up on prey, make unexpected maneuvers and rapid jumps, which is very important for predators. The fingers are able to move separately from each other and turn in the desired direction, which allows the cat to stay on high-risk surfaces: slippery, almost vertical, vibrating, loose, uneven.

When jumping from a great height the toes serve as shock absorbers, the elastic pads make the landing softer and safer, protecting the paws from injury. Most likely, everyone has more than once had to observe how cats "wash" with the help of their front legs, and superstitious people associate all kinds of signs with this procedure.

In fact, cats do this solely for a hygienic purpose, since these animals are clean by nature. These predators must secretly approach their prey and not give themselves away by anything - neither the sound of footsteps, nor the smell of the body. For centuries, nature has been observing and fixing everything that is valuable and useful for the survival of any existing species.

Sweating occurs through the paws. Sweat glands are located on the fingertips. Felines sweat not only in the heat, but also in stressful situations. The pads provide thermoregulation, prevent overheating of the body. Cats catch and hold prey with their front toes and claws, while the hind legs are percussion. Among felines, as well as among people, there are "right-handers" and "left-handers", and the left side is more preferred by cats, the right - by cats. On the "priority" limb, animals have more developed fingers.

As a standard, the International Organizations of Felinologists consider 18 toes to be the norm in common cats. On the front legs there are 5 fingers, when walking, 4 located in one row step on the ground, and the fifth is above the rest, does not participate in walking, but helps the animals climb vertically and move along an inclined surface. Cats have 4 toes on their hind legs.

Among cats, there are frequent cases of the birth of offspring with a non-standard number of fingers. Most often, deviations from the norm are found on the front legs, but there are also on the hind legs. Instead of 5, a kitten may have 6 or more toes on its front paws.

Gene mutations are characteristic of all multicellular organisms, and they are also found among cats. An abnormal number of fingers can be present in both cats and cats. This genetic disorder is inherited. If at least one of the parents is polydactic, then the probability of the birth of multi-toed offspring is very high. "Extra" fingers can be on one paw of a kitten, on several, or on all four at once.

Even if there is only one "extra" toe on one leg, then definitely this is nothing more than a manifestation gene polydactyly. This structural feature is not considered a genetic deformity, does not affect health, and does not bring any discomfort to animals. The only problem - such animals cannot participate in exhibitions due to non-compliance with exhibition standards, which no one will regret if the cat is healthy, energetic and beautiful. When examining newborn kittens and finding a "special" kitten, it is recommended to contact a specialist felinologist and find out the prognosis of the development of the animal with the identified anomaly.

Many polydactic owners note increased intelligence in their pets, even compare it with a human one and assure that cats have a special relationship with each family member and an understanding close to telepathy. For a long time, Theodore Roosevelt had a many-fingered cat, in which the president "did not cherish" and often allowed him to attend official receptions, and in the president's inner circle they jokingly said that the cat brings good luck to the White House. However, people who are prone to prejudice and believe in mysticism should not have many-fingered cats. In fact, this feature is nothing more than a peculiar appearance.

In addition to polydactyly, there is a mutation called hypodactyly, when there are not enough fingers on the kitten's paws. Unlike polydactyly, this is a serious ailment, which is usually accompanied by congenital liver and urinary tract disorders.

Animals cannot fully move, run, jump, cope with natural needs. Such kittens rarely live to an adult state and constantly endure physical torment. Unfortunately, life consists not only of touching admiration for furry favorites. Having found a kitten with hypodactyly in a litter and having received an exhaustive consultation from a specialist, you will have to make a difficult decision and put the sufferer to sleep - this is more humane than dooming him to an unbearable existence.

Cat paws need to be looked after no matter how many toes the cat has. Due to the increased sensitivity of the paws, cats do not tolerate sharp fluctuations in temperature and pressure, react painfully to the slightest damage to the pads, suffer greatly from physical pain, eat poorly, and can become aggressive or depressed. The causes of damage can be very different. These are cuts with sharp objects on walks, thermal burns when accidentally jumping onto a hot surface, chemical burns when jogging on chemically treated snow, frostbite in the cold.

All cats instinctively try to protect their paws from damage, as much as possible with the lifestyle of each animal. The owners' task is to help the pet as much as possible. The paws of domestic cats should be carefully examined every day. If you have damage, abrasions or even minor scratches, you should consult your veterinarian and treat the pads with healing agents.

The formidable-looking claws of pets are also very sensitive, so you need to trim them with extreme caution, without causing pain and without accidentally damaging the fingers, do not allow the claws to grow too long so that they do not split. In the wild, felines only need to naturally sharpen their claws on natural materials; a pet should have a high-quality scratching post.

Cat nails are an integral part of natural life. Having settled a kitten at home, you need to be prepared not only for positive emotions, but also for less pleasant surprises.For example, a pet can ruin expensive interior items with its claws, which is not his fault at all - this is the owner's "jamb" in education.

Unfortunately, some pet owners who were irresponsible in purchasing a cat quickly get bored of problems with claws, they decide on surgical operation onychectomy - removal of claws. This is a very difficult procedure that only young healthy cats can tolerate. Together with the claws, the phalanges of the fingers are also amputated. Many owners, depriving a pet of protective equipment, have little idea of ​​what they doom their pets to. With any, even the most successful, result of the operation, the further life of the beloved furry will not be full.

You can look at the six-fingered cat further.