How are the limbs of a cat located? - briefly
A cat's limbs are positioned vertically beneath its body, with the forelimbs slightly forward and the hindlimbs aligned to support agile movement and balance.
How are the limbs of a cat located? - in detail
The limbs of a cat are positioned in a highly specialized arrangement that supports their agility, balance, and predatory efficiency. Cats are digitigrade animals, meaning they walk on their toes rather than the entire foot, which enhances their speed and stealth. The forelimbs are attached to the thoracic region of the spine via the shoulder girdle, which is uniquely designed for flexibility and range of motion. Unlike humans, cats lack a collarbone (clavicle), allowing their shoulders to move more freely and enabling them to squeeze through narrow spaces. The forelimbs consist of the humerus (upper arm), radius and ulna (forearm), carpals (wrist), metacarpals (palm), and phalanges (toes), ending in retractable claws that can be extended or retracted as needed for climbing, hunting, or self-defense.
The hindlimbs are attached to the pelvic girdle and are significantly more muscular than the forelimbs, providing the power for jumping, sprinting, and pouncing. The hindlimbs include the femur (thigh bone), patella (knee cap), tibia and fibula (lower leg), tarsals (ankle), metatarsals (foot), and phalanges (toes). The arrangement of the hindlimbs allows for a strong push-off force, enabling cats to leap great distances relative to their body size. The paws of both limbs are padded with soft, shock-absorbing tissue that cushions their movements and allows for silent stalking. Additionally, the limbs are aligned in a way that distributes the cat’s weight evenly, contributing to their exceptional balance and ability to land gracefully from heights. This anatomical configuration is a testament to the evolutionary adaptations that make cats highly efficient predators and agile climbers.