10 toe-tapping cat paw facts

We all love cat-toe beans, they look adorably edible and make those murder mittens look like squishy cartoon nubs. So, we wanted to give you some paws for thought and learn a bit more about our purr-babies button-shaped boots. The are numerous cat paw facts out there, so we’ve selected the cream of the crop and chosen 10 fabulously furry facts about cat paws that’ll hopefully have you toe-tapping!

1. Cats sweat through their paws

We’ve all experienced sweaty palms, right? Right?! Well, cats can empathize with us. Their tiny toe beans contain sweat glands in their paws which they use to regulate their temperature. Seriously! When a kitty starts to feel the heat they can leave little sweaty paw marks around the house. These glands are also used when a kitty is stressed - their raised heart rate causes their body temperature to rise which makes their paws sweat.

What’s even more amazing is that these sensitive paws have special nerve receptors that allow them to also detect heat. Cats are much better than humans a determining which surfaces are hot or not. They use this for hunting prey to avoid eating anything that’s been dead for too long.

2. Paws are used to mark their territory

The gland facts don’t end there! A cat’s paws are also used to spread their scent to mark their territory. This is most commonly done through scratching trees, carpets, your favorite chair, or even human clothing. It’s a very natural instinct that should never be punished. Instead, make sure you have suitable places for your kitten to spread their claws.

3. The average toe bean count is 18, but some have more…

Polydactyl cats are cats with extra toe beans. It’s not uncommon, it’s natural, and it doesn’t cause kitties any pain or affect their movement. Most polydactyl cats will have extra cat beans on their front paws, however, there are a few felines out there with some extra toes on their back paws too.

Ever counted your kitty's toe beans? Well, have a go and see if you’re furry friend is sporting a couple of extra backup beans.

4. Cat paws act as shock and sound absorbers

While a cat’s paw might look soft and squishy, they’re actually made of pretty tough stuff. The padding of cat paws is very similar to the soles of human feet which makes them great for landing. Every cat is an acrobat in its own way and jumping from one place to another means they need some strong feet. The paw pads are excellent shock absorbers which helps keep them safe when they’re throwing themselves around at 3 am.

5. Their colored paw pads match their coat

How are cats always just so on point with fashion? Their color coordination doesn’t end with matching whiskers and mouth palettes, their paws will always be a flattering match too. If you’re the pet parent of a kitty with a kaleidoscope of colors or patterns on their fur and body, you’ll notice their paws will often be patty or a mix of colors too.

6. Cats use their paws as a comforter

Not a comforter blanket, but a cat will use their paws to create comfort, just like a toddler sucking their thumb. There’s a reason cat paws are also called biscuit makers - the act of cats pummelling their paws on a blanket, cushion, or leg is something kitties do to chill out. It’s a comforting sensation for them, reminiscent of their time as a kitten when they would pummel their mom’s tummy for milk. Super cute!

7. Cat paws can develop arthritis

A slightly more serious fact now and one all pet parents should be aware of. As a cat’s paw contains joints, it means they are also susceptible to developing arthritis. This is most often seen in senior cats, but it can develop at any age. Arthritis can be very uncomfortable for kitties and prevent them from walking, so it’s important to have their toe beans and claws checked regularly by you and your vet.

8. Cats have retractable claws

Fun fact - not all cat species have retractable claws, including cheetahs. Domesticated kitties, however, can retract their claws from as young as four weeks old! If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with a kitten, you’ll notice they’ll regularly catch their claws on things - this is because they’re still learning how to use them.

Cats can use their retractable claws as nimbly as we can use our fingers. You may have noticed they enjoy using this ability to grab your attention by softly scratching you. Yeah, they know what they’re doing!

9. There are more cat beans on their front paws

Cats (should) always land on their feet, but it will often be front paws first. The majority of a kitty’s weight is placed on the front half of its body meaning it needs more support. So, it makes sense that a cat’s front paws have a sprinkling of extra toe beans in comparison to their back legs.

10. Cat paw skin is as unique as our fingerprints

The last and possibly loveliest of our cat paw facts: A cat’s beans are as unique to them as our fingerprints are to us! No two kitties have the same paw pattern. With a distinctive cat paw comes the opportunity for us to investigate where our fur babies have been or shouldn’t have been - that’s right kitties, we’re on to you!

If you’re a feline fanatic who loves talking about toe beans, head to our Community Forum to connect with other cat carers to discuss all things paw and whisker-related. Or, for those keen to jump paws first into finding a sitter, check out which cat sitters are currently available near you and find a new sitter friend for your furry family.