Principles of construction in the forepaw and hindpaw of the domestic cat (Felis catus). III: Musculature

With regard to muscular mass and inner structure, the muscles of the forepa w and hindpaw of the domestic cat are grouped functionally, compared and ev aluated. A high degree of functional adaptation is present in these muscles , for example in the passive locomotion apparatus of the paws. The domestic cat is not a 'running animal' like other domestic mammals. Also, in domest ication it has preserved a strongly individual way of life and has remained a quick, ambushing hunter and climber on the run. Hence its forepaw is a f lexible guiding and gripping apparatus, while its hindpaw provides stabilit y for sprinting and non-skid pushing. The partly re-interpreted functions o f the muscles are described and listed in four tables.