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Front paw of dog showing A) Claw, B) Digital Pads, C) Metacarpal Pad, D) Dew Claw, E) Carpal Pad.

A paw is the soft foot of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws or nails. A hard foot is called a hoof. Paws are used to pad feet for walking and increase friction.

Common characteristics

The paw is characterised by thin, pigmented, keratinised, hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous, collagenous, and adipose tissue, which make up the pads. These pads act as a cushion for the load-bearing limbs of the animal. The paw consists of the large, heart-shaped metacarpal pad (forelimb) or metatarsal pad (rear limb), and generally four load-bearing digital pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case of bears and the Giant Panda. A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species. Additional dew claws can also be present.

The paw also includes a horny, beak shaped claw on each digit. Though usually hairless, certain animals do have fur on the soles of their paws. An example being the Red Panda, whose furry soles help insulate them in their snowy habitat.

Animals with paws

• Members of the Canidae family, such as dogs and foxes
• Felines, such as cats and tigers, some of these animals may have toe tufts
• Bears and Raccoons
• Weasels and other mustelids
• Rodents

A dog's paw resting on a hard concrete surface.

A tiger's paw, showing pads.

A cat's paw, showing pads.

See also

• Claw
• Digitigrade

References

• Maine Coon Polydactyl International