Feline Anatomy

Cats are domesticated, carnivorous mammals belonging to the feline species. They are incredibly flexible creatures, capable of slipping through narrow spaces with ease. Their unique anatomy, specialised senses, and refined movement patterns distinguish them from other mammals.

Understanding feline anatomy is crucial for veterinary professionals, students, and pet owners alike. It helps to improve care, training, and health outcomes. We will explore the skeletal structure, muscles, and sensory abilities of cats, and touch on common feline dental issues that affect cat health. 

To gain a deeper understanding of feline anatomy, our range of anatomy charts and posters offers detailed, easy-to-follow illustrations ideal for veterinary students, educators, and professionals.

Cats share a broadly similar skeletal structure with dogs, but several features make them notably distinct.

A cat’s skull, for instance, has large eye sockets to accommodate their excellent vision and a powerful jaw structure to support their carnivorous diet. Their teeth are sharply adapted for capturing and consuming prey.

The vertebral column of a cat consists of:

• Seven cervical vertebrae (neck)
• Thirteen thoracic vertebrae (chest)
• Seven lumbar vertebrae (lower back)
• Three sacral vertebrae (pelvis)
• Around twenty caudal vertebrae (tail)

The forelimbs are attached to the body by free-floating clavicle (collar) bones rather than being directly connected to the skeleton. This, combined with their flexible spine, grants cats their remarkable agility.

The feline muscular system is intricate and highly specialised for strength, agility, and speed.

The key muscle groups are as follows:

• Epaxial muscles: multiple, intricate muscles that sit along the vertebral column, responsible for up and down movement of the neck, lateral bending of the spine, and spinal stability.
• Hypaxial muscles: a series of intricate muscles that sit just below the vertebral column, responsible for flexion of the neck and spine, and spinal stability.
• Forelimb muscles: major muscles that enable movement of the forelimb include the brachiocephalicus, trapezius, deltoids, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, and omotransversarius.
• Hindlimb muscles: major muscles that enable movement of the hindlimb include the gluteals, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, tensor fascia lata, the quadriceps, and gastrocnemius.

Cats have around 500 muscles that all carry out one or multiple functions, facilitating movement, stabilising the body, or aiding homeostasis. The musculoskeletal system of a cat is more flexible than that of the dog, with looser connective tissue attachments that allow for a greater range of movement.

Explore our feline anatomy models to see a three-dimensional view of bones, muscles, and joints. These visual aids help make complex structures easier to learn, supporting better academic outcomes and practical skills in veterinary practice.

Cats have evolved specialised senses that support their hunting and survival instincts.

Cats have exceptional night vision thanks to the tapetum lucidum, a reflective layer behind the retina that maximises available light. Their pupils narrow into vertical slits in bright light and dilate widely in low light conditions.

A cat’s hearing is sharper than a human’s, picking up higher frequencies. Their mobile, funnel-shaped ears enhance directional hearing, with fine hairs inside the ear canal detecting sound vibrations.

While not as dominant as in some animals, a cat’s sense of smell plays a vital role in communication and hunting. They have scent glands on their forehead, chin, lips, and under the tail, which they use to mark their territory.

A cat’s tongue is covered with papillae, giving it a rough, sandpaper-like texture, ideal for grooming, drinking, and scraping meat from bones. Their whiskers are highly sensitive, detecting subtle changes in air currents and aiding navigation in the dark.

Their fur insulates them and provides environmental protection. When threatened, the hair along the spine and neck can rise in a reaction known as piloerection.

Dental health is vital for feline wellbeing. Understanding the structure and function of a cat’s teeth can help owners maintain better oral care for their pets.

Adult cats have 30 teeth, while kittens possess 26 deciduous (milk) teeth. Each type of tooth serves a specialised function related to their carnivorous diet.

Understand the complexities of feline dental anatomy with our charts and models, featuring detailed illustrations of teeth structure, eruption patterns, and oral health landmarks. Perfect for students and professionals aiming to master veterinary dentistry.

• Incisors: Small, sharp teeth at the front, used for grooming and grasping small objects.
• Canines: Large, curved fangs ideal for seizing prey.
• Premolars and Molars: Used for crushing bones and tearing food into swallowable pieces.
• Carnassial Teeth: The fourth upper premolar and the first lower molar. These are the largest and strongest teeth, essential for shearing meat.

It’s important to note: when referring to “canine teeth” here, we mean the tooth type, not dog anatomy!

Cats are masters at hiding pain, making dental disease difficult to detect early. Gingivitis is the most common dental condition and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated.

Signs to watch for include:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Plaque build-up
• Sneezing or nasal discharge

Routine dental checks and professional cleanings are essential for preventing serious dental diseases and keeping cats healthy and pain-free.

Understanding veterinary anatomy can be far more effective with high-quality visual tools. Our range of anatomical models, posters, and digital downloads allow students and professionals to deepen their understanding through both visual and tactile learning.

Whether you're preparing for exams, teaching a class, or working in a clinical setting, our veterinary resources provide a practical and engaging way to study animal anatomy.