External Parts of a Cat

Knowing basic feline external anatomy can help a cat owner to identify health problems and communicate with veterinarians about the pet. According to the Cat Fanciers' Association, those interested in breeding and showing cats can also benefit from knowing the external parts of a cat, as breed standards are based in part on the ideal physical form of a cat.

  1. Head

    • A cat's head is its sensory headquarters. The eyes, which have a vertical slit pupil, can see well in low light. Ears vary in shape by breed; most have large, swiveling ears that allow a broad range of hearing. The whiskers, stiff hairs that grow from whisker pads on the cat's muzzle, allow the cat to sense subtle vibrations and to maneuver in low light. Most cats have a squarish muzzle, although muzzle shape and nose structure vary by breed.

    Trunk

    • A cat's body consists of the chest, which supports the head on the forelegs, a torso or midsection, and a rump, which connects the hind legs and tail to the rest of the body. The structure of the trunk varies by breed, from square and stocky to long and tubular. The trunk houses many of the cat's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and digestive and internal reproductive organs.

    Limbs

    • A cat's forelegs extend from shoulders to paws. The front paws have five padded toes, and the hind paws have four toes, all of which end in retractable claws. A cat walks on its toes, allowing it a great deal of agility. The forelegs mirror a human arm. The hind limbs extend from the hip to a knee joint, down the leg bone to the hock (the equivalent of the human ankle) and continuing down the bones of the feet to the toes.

    Tail

    • Most cats, excepting certain tailless breeds, have long tails that are an extension of the spine. A cat uses its tail for balance and to communicate its emotions with other cats.

    External Reproductive Organs

    • A female cat has a vertical vaginal opening beneath the anus, located underneath the base of the tail. This is surrounded by the folds of the vulva, which are usually covered in hair. A male cat has a scrotum and a penile opening.

    Coat

    • A cat's coat varies greatly in color and texture by breed. A cat may appear nearly hairless, have a sleek, short coat or a long coat with a heavy, coarse undercoat. Coats may be any shade of white, black, gray, brown, yellow or orange, with patterns of spots, stripes and colored points (colored tips of the ears, muzzle and paws) being common.