Features of the body structure of your cat

Understanding your cat’s anatomy goes a long way in providing the best care for her. Take the time to examine your pet from head to tail and understand how her body works.

HEAD A very flexible neck is a sure sign of a cat’s predatory nature. It provides a wide range of motion for the strong skull to observe prey.

EYES The animal has large eyes that are well protected by a deep set in strong eye sockets. Each eye has a unique depth of focus for more accurate distance estimation when hunting.

TEETH The teeth of a cat are typical teeth of a hunting predator. Fangs for slaughter, incisors for holding prey and molars for tearing. The lower jaw is especially mobile to give extra impetus to chewing food.

Ears Cat ears are like shells, picking up a wide range of sounds. The ear muscles are precise instruments that shape the ears to detect specific sounds. Like humans, a pet’s inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance.

BACK The back of a cat is distinguished by large central bones that allow it to support the weight of the body. Along the back are strong muscles that are needed to ensure the ability to carry heavy prey over long distances.

HIND LEGS The structure of the pet’s hind legs is such that they can only move forward and backward. The knee is the opposite of the elbow on the front legs. They work together to provide the cat with the unique ability to jump and bounce.

FRONT LEGS Unlike the hind legs, the front legs of the animal can move not only forward and backward, but also rotate slightly, allowing the lower part of the feet to turn towards the muzzle. This allows the cat to wash thoroughly.

PAWS The cat’s paws are so long that it mostly walks on toes supported by sensitive, hard pads. She can also extend and retract her claws.