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Common characteristics
The paw is characterised by thin, pigment ed, keratin ised, hairless Epidermis (skin)|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 toe|digital pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case of bear s and the Giant Panda . A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional Traction (engineering)|traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species. Additional dewclaw s can also be present.
The paw also includes a horny, beak shaped claw on each toe|digit . Though usually hairless, certain animals do have fur on the soles of their paws. An example is the Red Panda , whose furry soles help insulate them in their snowy habitat.
Animals with paws
Members of the Canidae family, such as dog s and fox es
Felidae|Felines , such as cat s and tiger s; some of these animals may have toe tuft s
Bear s and Raccoon s
Weasel s and other mustelid s
Rodent s
See also
commons category|Paws
Claw
Digitigrade
References
http://www.mcpi.org Maine Coon Polydactyl International
