Principles of construction in the forepaw and hindpaw of the domestic cat (Felis catus). Part I: skeleton

The differences in the skeleton of the forepaw and hindpaw of the domestic cat are an expression of a highly specialized, functional adaption: The mes axonic forepaw with abducable first digit is used for running as well as fo r catching and climbing. The paraxonic hindpaw becomes, particularly throug h the arched construction of the metacarpus, a long and strong caulking too l both in sprinting and climbing up. The discussion focuses on evolutionary considerations. Moreover, common points and differences in the skeleton of the forepaw and hindpaw of the domestic cat and their importance are summa rized and briefly compared with the situation in the dog.