Cat's Feet

mongo77 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 05:59 AM

As i sit here reading the forums, my cat jumped into my lap, requesting to be petted. I noticed that his paws are webbed and so are my other cat's. It got me wondering... Does anyone knows why cats developed webbed toes if they have such a hatred for water :?: :?

bLue_reverie · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 06:44 AM

i don't think it's much different than the fleshy flabs on skin between our own fingers. if you want to see a real aquatic cat with real webbed toes... >>>>>>>>>>

here's my best guess. i think it's more for muscular use in their paws that help them climb and grip. i doubt it has anything to do with water.

mongo77 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 11:54 PM

LOL! Thanks for the info, you may be right

leveldrummer · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2008, 11:56 PM

most large cats (tigers, lions etc) and even the smaller wild cats dont "hate" water, and can be found in the wild swimming rather often to cool off and find food etc. only the domestic cats hate water, and who knows why. but the webbing is probably more for other things like blue mentioned above. because it sure doesnt help them hunt down and large water prey.

mongo77 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 12:22 AM

Tigers are pretty fond of water and could be found just lieing in it to cool off, but lions and i'm pretty sure bobcats, lynxs tend to go thru lenghts not to get wet. I was just curious because the domestic dog breeds that have webbed feet tend to be the breeds that love water. For example Newfoundlands. I know that these are traits that were specifically bred into these dogs. Maybe its that the domestic cat's ancestor must of been a more water loving species and that love of water slowly disapeared while the purpose of the webbed toes remained constant do to the reason that Blue_Reverie gave.

bLue_reverie · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2008, 12:28 AM

domestic house cats i believe are originally from arid environments. look up their history of domestication in egypt. then look at said cats that avoid water, most of which are from savannahs while tigers can be found in more humid, wooded areas.

melissa68 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-11-2008, 08:52 PM

I think you are right about them being a desert animal. But, if you drop them in a pond...I bet they won't sink...but swim :-)