It’s truly amazing to see how cats can contort and squeeze themselves through small openings. Their remarkable flexibility and agility make it hard to believe they actually have bones beneath their fluffy coats.
How many bones does my cat possess?
Cats have a unique skeleton consisting of approximately 230 bones, which is significantly fewer than that of dogs like the Great Dane, which can have up to 321 bones. This skeletal structure is designed to provide flexibility and strength. The joints and muscles collaborate to allow cats to move with grace. A cat’s skeletal framework includes both major and minor components, all of which support one another.
Spinal column:
A cat’s spinal column is made up of roughly 30 vertebrae, categorized into five groups based on their location: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and caudal.
The flexible joints between these spinal bones enable cats to twist in impressive ways and enhance their agility.
The vertebral column of a cat runs from the base of the skull to the tip of the tail. The number of bones in each section of this spinal column is as follows:
- Cervical — 7 bones.
- Thoracic — 13 bones.
- Lumbar — 7 bones.
- Sacral — 3 fused bones.
- Caudal — 18 to 23 bones.
Skull:
At first glance, a cat’s skull appears to be a single hollow bone, but if you examine it closely, you’ll notice fibrous joints known as sutures, which hold multiple bones together. Remarkably, a cat’s skull is made up of 29 bones.
The skull protects the brain and shapes the facial structure, designed for a predator’s lifestyle. Their strong jaws are built to catch and consume prey, while the large eye sockets accommodate their highly adapted eyes for sharp vision.
Ribs:
Cats have 13 pairs of ribs, each corresponding to a thoracic vertebra. Each rib connects to its respective vertebra at the back. At the center of the chest, the sternum is made up of nine bones.
The upper ribs are attached to the sternum, while the lower ribs either fuse with cartilage to form a rim or remain floating at the back.
The combination of bones, cartilage, and muscles that form a cat’s ribs is highly compressible, allowing them to squeeze through tight spaces with ease.
Forelimbs:
Cats’ forelimbs consist of both major and minor bones. The three main bones in their front legs are the humerus, ulna, and radius.
They also have smaller bones known as metacarpals. Each of their five toes contains three small bones.
Hindlimbs:
Similar to their forelimbs, cats have three main bones in their hind legs — the femur, tibia, and fibula. Lower down in the legs, they also have smaller bones called metatarsals.
Unlike the forelimbs, their hind paws have only four toes. These paws are structured so that their heels don’t touch the ground, creating the distinctive “catwalk.”
Clavicles:
Cats, like humans, have clavicles (collarbones), but there’s a key difference between the two. Unlike humans, a cat’s clavicles aren’t connected to their shoulder blades (scapula). This gives them a wider range of movement and is the reason they can squeeze through tight spaces so easily.
Tail:
While a cat’s tail is technically an extension of its vertebral column, it serves a distinct function. The tail, made up of 18-23 caudal bones, plays a key role in helping cats maintain their remarkable balance. They use it to counterbalance their weight when walking on narrow, elevated surfaces.
Do all cats have the same number of bones?
The number of bones in a cat’s body can range from 230 to 245, depending on their gender and breed.
A cat’s tail typically contains 18 to 24 bones. As a result, tailless breeds like the Manx tend to have fewer bones, while cats with longer tails may have more.
Male cats have an additional bone in their penis, giving them at least one more bone than female cats, even within the same breed.
Genetic mutations can also affect the number of bones a cat has. For example, polydactyl cats, which have an extra digit, will have a higher bone count. This trait is commonly seen in Hemingway cats.
Can cats break their bones?
Yes, they can.
Though cats may seem invincible as they twist and squeeze through tight spaces, they are still prone to broken bones, just like other animals. A bad landing can result in serious injury. While their legs are the most vulnerable, any bone in their body can break.
Here are some signs your cat may have a broken bone:
- Swelling
- Unusual gait
- Unusual behavior
- Crying or meowing
- Restricted movement
Only a vet can confirm if your cat has a fracture, so if you notice these signs, it’s important to schedule a vet appointment.
The vet will evaluate the severity of the injury and decide on the best treatment. In some cases, a cat may heal from a fracture on their own, while in other instances, surgery may be required.
Final thoughts:
Cats are a remarkable part of nature, and their agility and jumping ability are fascinating. This agility is largely due to their skeletal structure, which consists of around 230 interconnected bones, allowing for exceptional freedom of movement.
Cats have significant skeletal components, including their vertebral column, skull, forelimbs, hindlimbs, and ribs, along with smaller structures like the clavicle and tail.
Though cats are often seen as symbols of flexibility, they can also suffer fractures. If you observe any changes in your cat’s gait or notice swelling, it’s important to consult a vet, who can help your feline recover.
Prioritizing your pet’s safety is essential, and you can find all the resources you need on Territory Veterinary clinic.
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