Cat Body Information and Cat Care of Each Body Pary
Posted on May 29, 2008
Filed Under Pets |
All About Cats various body parts and how to have the best
Cat Health and Cat Care
The mouth of an adult cat comprises of 15 teeth.
Majority of them are tiny. Compared to the other teeth, the canines are the
biggest in terms of size, edge and length. Cats catch and grasp their food with
these fangs. They use canines to shred their prey into pieces.
Cats possess extremely specialized teeth used for
shredding of meat. The first premolar and molar comprise the carnassials pair,
present on both the sides of the cat’s mouth. This pair functions effectively
to tear meat and thus acts as scissor. Canids also possess them, but they are
highly evolved in felines. In addition, papillae or razor sharp spines are
present on its tongue. These spines are beneficial for retaining and tearing
the flesh of a prey. The tiny keratin having backward facing hooks also help in
the grooming of a cat.
A cat uses different types of phonations for
communication, because of its oral mouth structure.
Ears:
A cat can direct its hearing since it possesses
single muscles in both the ears. The movements of both the ears are independent
of each other. Most cats possess straight ears directed upwards. Some cats also
have folded ears called Scottish Folds. Other cats have curled ears that
resemble the Highlanders. Such ears are due to genetic mutation.
Cats use ears as a source of expression when they are
scared or angry. They lay their ears back accompanied by hissing or growling
voices. This is regarded as a caution from the cat. At times, when cats are
playing, they turn their ears back to hear something behind them. One can effectively
interpret a cat’s mood by observing its ears.
Legs:
Cats walk on their toes directly and hence are
digitigrades. Each hind paw of a cat is placed almost accurately in the mark of
the comparable forepaw, thus reducing sound and visible tracks. This method of
walking is termed as register. Cats are less likely to lose their feet even on
bumpy terrain.
Many animals move their legs alternately while
walking. Cats on the other hand move both their legs in one direction and vice
versa while walking. This manner of walking is similar to camels, giraffes,
pacer horses and so on. There are not many reasons available to explain this.
All members belonging to the cat family possess
retractable claws. In relaxed state, the retractable claws are covered with
skin and fur. In a wild cat, this keeps its claws razor sharp despite continual
contact with ground. Sheathing of the claws also enables a cat to follow its
prey. The forefoot claws are considerably sharper than the hind feet claws.
Cats draw out their claws in self-defense, to eat something, and so on.
Sometimes, a cat will willingly extend its claw for nail clipping, thus
co-operating with a human.
Many felines possess five claws and five or four
claws on their front and rear paw respectively. At times , there is a protrusion
called a sixth finger. This is called the carpal pad. It functions as an
anti-skidding feature.
About the author
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Tags: adult cat, body parts, canines, cat health, cats, fangs, felines, genetic mutation, hind paw, hooks, keratin, molar, oral mouth, papillae, premolar, prey, scottish folds, spines, straight ears
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