The post Cat Toe Tufts: A Comprehensive Guide by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying the entire article violates copyright laws. You may not know it, but all of these articles are commissioned, contracted and paid for, so they are not considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and will like it if you continue to share only the first paragraph of an article, then link to the rest on Catster.com.
Cats have many physical characteristics that make them beautiful. Whether it’s their expressive eyes, the tufts of fur on the tips of their ears, or the tufts of paw fur, there’s no shortage of features your cat can sport that will make them stand out.
Today, we’re going to take an in-depth look at toe tufts to teach you what they are, why your cat has them, which cats have them, and whether you need to keep them trimmed.
Read on to learn more!
What are Toe Tufts?
Tufts on the toe (sometimes called foot to foot) are patches of fur that grow between a cat’s toes. This growth is usually seen in cats with medium to long coats. To be considered true toe tufts, the fur must extend past the paw pad.
What is the Purpose of Toe Tufts?
The toe tufts serve two important purposes (we think): to aid in traction and protection. Before we go any further, let’s just note that there isn’t a lot of scientific research out there about foot floofs in cats. While they may have served protective services in wild cats, our domestic and indoor cats don’t really need them, so we just have to extrapolate purposes from the wild counterparts. Ideally, here you are:
Like hair on the rest of their body, the long hair between a cat’s toes helps to protect their feet. This can be protection from either cold or harsh surfaces that can cause scratches on the paw pad. Maine Coons and Norwegian Forest Cats have these thin coats to help them stay warm and traverse the snowy terrain that their regions of origin are known for. Think of tufts as built-in snowshoes!
Toe tufts can also act like a pair of sneakers on some slippery surfaces. Again, think of cold environments where ice and snow can reign. Having a little extra traction on slippery surfaces will definitely benefit. As you’ll notice, this doesn’t always equate to a slippery floor, and toe tufts can actually make your cat slip and slide a bit on the hardwood.
What Cat Breeds Are More Likely to Have Toe Tufts?
While all cats (except hairless varieties) have fur on their feet, not all breeds will have tufts between their toes. The following is a list of breeds that are more likely to sport this lovely thin coat. Coincidentally these breeds tend to have medium to long hair:
- Maine Coons
- Norwegian Forest Cats
- Ragdolls
- Somali
- Persians
- Balinese
- Welsh
Should Toe Tufts Be Trimmed?
There is no clear “yes” or “no” answer to this question, as it depends entirely on the recommendations of your cat and veterinarian. In most cases, you are Don’t Your pet’s toe tufts need to be trimmed. The exception to this rule is if the fur particles cause issues like the ones below:
Irritability
You can give the tufts a little trim if they are too long and causing your cat discomfort. Sometimes, the fur is tickling, irritating your cat and forcing them to lick or pull the hair to find relief. This can become a compulsion and can cause other issues, so if your kitten licks her paws a lot due to overgrown toe fur, it’s best to trim it.
Collection of Debris
The long tufts can also be a magnet for kitty litter and dirt. A trim may be necessary if your cat tracks litter and other debris into your home with their paw tufts.
Slipping and Slipping
Snowy and icy conditions don’t exactly translate to hardwood flooring. If you have hardwood flooring throughout your home, you may notice your cat slipping and sliding on it a lot if the toe fur gets out of control. As great as it is to watch your Tokyo cat fly around all corners of your home, not getting traction on the floor can be a major safety hazard.
Matting
Finally, you can trim your toe-tufted kitty if the fur gets dry. Warts are very painful and can cause skin infections if left untreated.
Tips for Keeping Your Cat Safe
Finger tufts, especially those that are too long, can be a problem for some cats. If your kitten is dealing with the issues mentioned above, you can give them a trim. Using a pair of scissors, you can carefully trim the longer hairs until they no longer cover the paw pads. You usually don’t need to trim unless your kitten is getting itchy between her toes. In that case, consult your veterinarian on the best treatment method.
There are other things you can do besides trimming the tufts to keep your kitten safe:
Consider Carpeting
Carpets are not for everyone and can be a problem especially if you have allergies. But carpeting and throw rugs are great anti-slip flooring options for cats with toe tufts who may slide a little more than other cats.
Add Grippy Furnishings
If you have tall cat trees or wall-mounted shelves for your cat, jumping on these high places can be a problem for kittens with slippery foot tufts. You might consider adding sturdy furniture, like a strategically placed seat, in places you know they like to launch themselves or onto to prevent slips and falls.
Final Thoughts
Foot floofs are more than just an adorable physical feature. They serve the very important purpose of protecting their feet from rough, snowy terrain. Although your cat may not be crossing frozen ground, they may still sport toe tufts if they are a medium or long-haired breed.
You don’t need to come in to do any grooming on your cat’s toe tufts except if they obviously cause your cat discomfort in some way.
Featured Image Credit: Anzhelika Mar, Shutterstock
The post Cat Toe Tufts: A Comprehensive Guide by Chantelle Fowler appeared first on Catster. Copying the entire article violates copyright laws. You may not know it, but all of these articles are assigned, contracted and paid for, so they are not considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continue to share just the first paragraph of an article, then link out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.
