Cats have plenty of traits that make them irresistible. Their soft paw pads, for example, have inspired countless online videos. But what purpose do those pads serve? The answer goes back millions of years. Jonathan Losos, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Washington, points out that most members of the order Carnivora — including cats, dogs, wolves, bears, raccoons, and otters — have paw pads in some form. So why do all these animals have paw pads?
Losos says these pads likely appeared around 50 million years ago, around the time carnivores first evolved. They serve several important functions. First, they help with running, jumping, and landing softly. They act as shock absorbers, letting cats fall from considerable heights without serious injury. Inside each pad is fatty tissue reinforced by collagen, which gives the pads their softness and elasticity and helps absorb impact. One study of pad structure found that the tissue becomes stiffer when compressed, which improves cushioning on landing.
Studies show that at the cellular level, pads contain elliptical pockets of fat that absorb energy and prevent instability during a fall. The cushioning from paw pads is so effective that researchers have studied them to help design better footwear for parachutists. Besides cushioning landings, pads give excellent traction on the ground. Without these adaptations, carnivores would likely slip on their furry feet.
Much like human fingers, cat paw pads are highly sensitive, Amy Shojai, an animal behavior consultant, told Live Science. With their pads, cats can detect tiny changes in temperature and identify different textures.
Those toe pads also contain sweat glands. “You might notice wet paw prints when your cat is feeling stressed,” Shojai said. The sweat on the pads helps cats regulate their body temperature.
Shojai says pad color usually matches fur color because of melanin: darker fur tends to mean darker pads, while lighter fur often means pink pads. Multicolored cats can have pads in multiple colors. Shojai also advises pet owners to watch their cat’s paw pads, since they perform vital functions. Changes such as color shifts, swelling, or excessive dryness merit a visit to the veterinarian.
Paw pads are an evolutionary adaptation honed over millions of years that help cats hunt effectively and survive in their environments.
