Cat Anatomy

When it comes to cat anatomy, the average cat weighs between 5.5 to 16 pounds (which Is between 2.5 to 7 kg). There are some breeds of cats such as the Maine Coon that have been known to grow as large as 25 pounds (11.3 kg).

As far as the anatomy of a cat Is concerned, cats have skin that is loose as opposed to tight and this is helpful at the veterinarian’s office when a cat needs an injection but it also means It Is easier for cats to grab hold of and bite other cats during a fight. The loose skin that can be found at the back of a cat's neck is known as the scruff and this is the part of the neck that a mother cat uses to pick up her kittens and carry them. Once a cat Is full grown he should never be picked up by the scruff of the neck alone but have his weight supported at both his rear end and hind legs but also at the front paws and chest.

The anatomy of the cat skeleton shows that it is similar to other animals in that it has seven cervical vertebrae. Cat anatomy is such that there are 13 thoracic vertebrae, seven lumbar vertebrae, three sacral vertebrae and 22 or 23 caudal vertebrae. A cat has enhanced flexibility and spinal mobility and a cat has extremely good balance.

Most veterinarians’ offices will have a cat anatomy diagram on the wall for you to take a close look at. Cat anatomy dental pictures will show that cats have very specialized teeth and digestive tracts that are well geared at digesting meat, as cats are diehard carnivores. A cat has a premolar and a first molar that in combination make up the carnassial pair on both sides of the mouth. These molars act very much like scissors for the cat. All dog and cat anatomy is like this but the carnassial pair is very well developed in cats. The tongue of a cat features papillae (or sharp spines) that are excellent for tearing meat apart. The sharp spines are tiny in nature and they have backward-facing hooks that are covered in keratin, which is also useful when grooming takes place.

Cat anatomy shows that the feline has 62 muscles in the ear that make directional hearing possible and a cat Is able to mover one ear without needing to move the other ear. The outer ear of cat anatomy is interesting. When a feline becomes scared or angry it will flatten its ears and will also show the emotion by hissing or growling. Sometimes when they are feeling playful, a cat will bend his ears backward or will do this when he hears an unusual sound nearby.