What is a cat's leg called? - briefly
A cat's leg is referred to as its "foreleg" or "hindleg," depending on its position. The forelegs are located at the front, while the hindlegs are situated at the rear of the cat's body.
What is a cat's leg called? - in detail
A cat's legs are anatomically referred to as limbs, and more specifically, they are known as forelimbs or hindlimbs depending on their location. Each of these limbs is further composed of several distinct segments that work together to facilitate movement and balance.
The forelimb of a cat, which includes the front legs, consists of several key components. Starting from the top, there is the shoulder (scapula), which connects the leg to the torso. Below the shoulder, we find the humerus, the upper arm bone, followed by the radius and ulna, which are the bones in the forearm. The paw itself is supported by five metacarpal bones, and each digit (toe) has three phalanges.
Similarly, the hindlimb of a cat, comprising the rear legs, also has a complex structure. At the top, we have the pelvis, which connects to the femur, the large bone in the thigh. Below the femur are the tibia and fibula, the bones in the lower leg. The paw is supported by five metatarsal bones, with each digit (toe) having three phalanges as well.
Both forelimbs and hindlimbs play crucial roles in a cat's daily activities. Forelimbs are essential for actions like climbing, scratching, and holding prey, while hindlimbs provide the power needed for jumping, running, and maintaining balance during quick movements. The intricate design of these limbs allows cats to exhibit their characteristic agility, grace, and hunting prowess.