An Illustrated Guide to Cat Anatomy! A Detailed Explanation of Each Body Part and Its Function

Why are cats so cute?

Many cat lovers would agree that everything about them is adorable, from their unique gestures and expressions to their squishy paw pads, supple bodies, and jiggly bellies.

In this article, we will introduce the names and functions of various body parts that make cats so charming, complete with easy-to-understand diagrams.

Pure Cuteness! Names of Cat Facial Features

A cat's face is packed with its most attractive features. We will explain the cat's facial parts and their individual roles, such as the fluffy fur on their ears and their highly mobile whiskers.

The Sparkling Eyes of a Kitty

Cats have relatively large eyes for their body size, with highly responsive pupils. In dark places, their pupils dilate fully, becoming perfectly round.

Behind the retina of a cat's eye is a reflective layer called the "tapetum," which allows them to see well even in minimal light. This tapetum is the reason why cats' eyes glow in the dark.

While their vision is not excellent, they excel at tracking moving objects. The thin membrane in the inner corner of the eye is the nictitating membrane, which prevents the eye from drying out and protects it.

Eartips are a Charming Point

Cats have well-developed ear muscles, so they move them frequently. They point them forward when they find something of interest, and flatten them to the sides—a look known as "airplane ears"—when they are scared.

▲Cha-chan, our model cat, with "airplane ears"

They can hear ultrasonic sounds that are inaudible to humans, so they never miss even the slightest noise.

The secret lies in the "ear tufts" (also known as lynx tips) at the tips of their ears, which are said to sense vibrations in the air.

Maine Coons, in particular, often have prominent tufts. Of course, many cats have almost none, and Norwegian Forest Cats do not have these tips. It is often said that you can tell the difference between a Maine Coon and a Norwegian Forest Cat just by looking at their eartips.

Additionally, the longer fur inside the ear is called "tufts," which serve to prevent insects and debris from entering the ear.

The Puffy Whiskers Pads

The area where a cat's whiskers grow is commonly called the whisker pads, or technically "whisker pads." When they get excited while playing, these pads puff up.

Cats actually have about 50 to 60 whiskers. There are 5 different types of whiskers, each with its own name. (If you know the names of all of them, you are a true cat expert!)

Furthermore, the roots of the whiskers are connected to nerves, making them extremely sensitive. They are also called "tactile hairs" or "sensory hairs," acting like sensors.

Where is a Cat's Muzzle?

A cat's "muzzle" refers to the entire mouth area, including the nose, mouth, and chin. Many cat lovers find the line of a cat's muzzle when viewed from the side absolutely irresistible.

Incidentally, the hairless part of a cat's nose is called the "nose leather," and it is usually slightly damp.

Why is a Cat's Tongue Rough?

A cat's tongue is rough, and it can feel a bit painful if they lick you. A cat's tongue is covered in tiny, spine-like structures called filiform papillae.

Although cats are carnivores, their jaw strength is actually not that powerful. It is believed that these filiform papillae developed so they could scrape meat off the bones of their prey.

These papillae are also what allow them to groom themselves so cleanly!

Where are the "Paws" and "Foot Pads"?

Cats' cream-bun-like paws and pads are also very cute. Even these healing parts have some technical names.

Since these parts also play many roles suited for a feline hunter, let's take a look.

What is a Cat's Paw?

The area from the round part of a cat's foot to where it bends is called the "paw." It’s a part that has a name as cute as the feature itself.

Both the front and hind paws are very soft and play a role in dexterously manipulating objects and supporting the body.

Cat Paw Pads Have Names Too

Cat paw pads are made of elastic fibers and fat, and serve to dampen the sound of their footsteps. Cats rarely sweat, only slightly moistening their nose and pads. The sweat on the pads is said to provide traction.

The formal term for a cat's paw pad is "digital pad."

A cat's front paw has 7 pads. The bear-shaped pad is the "metacarpal pad," the smaller pads at the tips of the toes are "digital pads," and the one located further up is the "carpal pad."

The hind paw has 5 pads; the largest one is called the "metatarsal pad," and the pads at the tips of the toes are called "digital pads."

Whiskers on a Cat's Front Leg!?

The area on a cat's leg that corresponds to a human wrist is called the "carpus." Whiskers also grow on a slightly protruding area near the carpus. Because they are very short, they might be hard to spot.

These are formally called "carpal whiskers," though exactly why they grow there is not fully understood...

The Fur Between Paw Pads Has a Name Too!

The slightly longer fur growing between a cat's paw pads is also called "tufts." It is often found on long-haired cats living in cold regions, and is said to help them walk on snow without slipping.

For strictly indoor cats, these can cause them to slip on hardwood floors, so you should trim them if they get too long.

Healing Cat Parts

Cats are healing just to watch, but their jiggling belly and neck area are also parts that bring a sense of happiness.

What is that Jiggling Belly Called?

A cat's jiggly belly isn't necessarily because they are fat; it serves the purpose of keeping the skin from stretching when they jump or run.

It actually has a name, and is called "loose skin" or "primordial pouch."

What is the Fur Around the Neck Called?

The decorative fur around the neck, often seen in long-haired cats and resembling a lion's mane, is called a "ruff." It is rarely seen in short-haired cats and is a graceful feature unique to long-haired breeds.

Body Measurements You Should Know

When purchasing collars, harnesses, or clothes for your cat, you need to measure their neck and body length. Since a proper fit is essential, it's useful to know which parts of your cat to measure.

At Poponeko, we define "chest circumference" as the size right behind the front legs (under the armpits), and "belly circumference" as the size about 4-5 cm behind the armpits toward the tail.

"Back length" refers to the length from the collar to the base of the tail, and "body length" refers to the length from the chest to the base of the tail.

Summary

A cat's body is full of charm. Knowing the names and functions of their parts makes them even more adorable.

You might want to touch or bury your face in them, but there are parts of a cat they like being touched and parts they don't. You need to be careful, as this can be a reason for your cat to dislike you.

For more details on parts cats like being touched, please refer to our article, 'How should you pet your cat to make them happy? Understanding where they like to be touched.'

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