- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Interesting Facts about Cat Paws
- PET HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS - Interesting Facts about Cat Paws
Cat paws are not just irresistibly cute , they actually serve several serious purposes in your feline ' s ability to lead a healthy and productive life . While most cats take fastidious care of their own grooming , it ' s a good idea to check their paws occasionally and be aware of their functions to nip any potential issues in the bud . Here is some useful info to help you do that .
1 ) Cats paws are very sensitive : You probably already know that , since most cats freak out or don ' t appreciate when people handle them . The pads on their paws have a large concentration of nerve receptors , which help them hunt and maintain their balance . Their sensitivity helps cats feel different textures and even vibrations , which can warn them of impending danger . Their paws are vulnerable to pressure , pain , and extreme temperatures , and you should always take it seriously if they begin to limp or avoid using one of them .
2 ) Cats have dominant paws : Cats actually favor one particular paw , usually when they are performing a challenging task . To figure out if your kitty is a lefty or righty , place a toy or treat in a tricky to reach place and see what paw your cat uses to retrieve it . Animal trainers warn that a truly accurate result will require about 75 tries , though , so patience is a must !
3 ) Cats use their paws to groom : Cats ' paws are extremely flexible , which helps them bend , climb , and clean themselves in hard to reach areas on their body . It ' s essential they maintain a good diet and healthy lifestyle to ensure that flexibility as long as possible .
4 ) Cats walk tip-toed : This isn ' t as awkward for them as it sounds , and it actually increases their speed and enhances their hunting abilities , as their prey doesn ' t hear them approaching .
5 ) Cats use their paws to communicate : Scent glands are located between a cat ' s paw pads , which helps them mark their territory when they scratch . This relays a signal to other cats who come across the scratched objects .
6 ) Cat paws sweat : Cats sweat from the bottom of their paw pads , not only to keep them from getting over-heated , but also when they are frightened and stressed .
7 ) Cat paws act as shock absorbers : This is how cats can jump off tall objects and land gracefully without hurting their feet , as their pads soften the landing .
8 ) Do regular paw checks : Though your cat won ' t enjoy or appreciate it , it ' s for his or her own good , so implement regular paw checks to look for any dirt , scrapes , bleeding , burrs , foreign objects , or other abnormality that could cause potentially painful or dangerous problems , such as infection . Clean your pet ' s paws with plain water . Another issue to be aware of - since cats are very clean animals , they lick their paws often . Avoid using or letting them have access to floors or counters that have just been cleaned so they don ' t ingest dangerous chemicals .
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Pawsitively Pets -- June