What Are the Functions of the Hair Between a Cat's Claws?

Many cats are similar to foxes in that they have hair between their claws, also called furry feet. The amount and type of hair on any cat, including on their feet, varies from cat to cat and from breed to breed. The key function of the hair found between a cat's claws is the same as hair anywhere else on the cat: insulation.

  1. Furry Feet

    • While foxes are part of the canine family, they have many similarities to cats, particularly when it comes to the hair on their feet. Domestic cats with hair between their claws tend to be of the long haired variety. Like their wild cousin, the cougar, these cats and their foxy friends, are aptly described as having furry feet.

    Functions

    • The hair between a cat's claws insulates the pads, providing protection from cold in the winter and heat in the summer. Furry feet are like warm boots for cats to walk on cold snow, or like flip-flops to walk across hot pavement. The insulating effect also keeps a cat's steps quieter while stalking prey, increasing the chance of a successful hunt.

    Domestic Cats

    • Long haired domestic cats, such as Maine coon cats, tend to have furry feet. Domestic cats only really benefit from the insulating effect of hair between their claws if they are outdoor or indoor-outdoor cats. These cats need the insulation to protect them from heat and cold and to assist in the hunt. Indoor cats typically see no benefit unless they are hunting prey indoors.

    Deciding Whether to Trim

    • Cats who do not benefit from the hair between their toes should have the hair trimmed back to prevent matting from the trapping of cat litter in the hair. Deciding whether to trim the hair for outdoor or outdoor-indoor cats involves weighing the pros and cons. For example; while providing insulation, the hairs can also trap snowballs between the toes in winter or burrs in other seasons.