We adore cats for their intuitive, independent, and sensitive natures. However, those qualities extend more than to just their personalities! Cats have unique mannerisms and actions that we all know and love. One of them most notably being when they shake their paws! Cat paws are fun to touch and admire, but did you know it’s one of the most sensitive areas on your cat’s body? If you’ve ever wondered why cats shake their paws, here’s everything you need to know.
Why do cats shake their paws?
Cats shake their paws for many reasons, including to remove substances from their paws, dry their paws, and to remove their scent.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Paws After Eating?
You’ve probably seen your cat groom themselves after eating, and this is because cats are mesopredators. Mesopredators, simply put, are predatory animals who rank more or less in the ‘middle’ of the food chain. Cats groom themselves instinctually after they eat to avoid smelling like food or drawing attention to themselves through their scent.
However, from time to time, cats can and will shake their paws after eating as a way of further grooming themselves. Since cat paws are wildly sensitive, they can feel remnants of almost anything. For example, like we feel residue on our fingers after eating fries or pizza, cats feel the same with both wet and dry food.
To a cat, shaking its paws after eating is a way of removing themselves of any residual debris before grooming. Much like we wipe off sweat before showering after a workout, cats like to remove any additional ‘gunk’ leftover before properly cleaning themselves.
They might also groom themselves by licking their paws and rubbing their head.
Why Do Cats Shake Their Paws When They Drink?
It’s very common knowledge that cats do not like to get wet. When cats feel a wet sensation on their sensitive paws, they feel the urge to shake it off. Since cats rely heavily on their paws for survival and to stay in touch with their surroundings, wet paws can compromise their sense of touch.
Additionally, water can irritate in between a cat’s claws. Since their paws are made up of nerve receptors, it makes the sensation all the more uncomfortable. Cats are not fond of water in general, but when it gets on their paws, it can really aggravate them. Much like we shake our hands after washing them if a towel isn’t available, cats like to shake their paws too!
Why Do Cats Shake Their Paws Before Going Outside?
Since cats rely heavily on their paw pads to navigate the world around them, you may wonder why they shake their paws before heading outside. After all, shouldn’t their paws be fine after relaxing and lounging inside? Your cat’s paws are usually perfectly fine before they go outside. When they shake their paws prior to heading out into the great outdoors, it’s usually because they’re trying to remain unseen!
As mentioned, cats are mesopredators and their scent is embedded in their paw pads. Before your cat goes outside, you may find them shaking or grooming their paws. This is to avoid detection of their scent by larger predators.
Cat Paws Are Essential to a Cat’s Well-being & Survival
While cat paws are absolutely adorable, they serve other essential purposes to your cat’s quality of life. According to Catster, they are used to communicate, sense their surroundings, hunt, and groom. They help absorb shock so cats can climb and jump with ease, and help regulate body temperature. In fact, they’re the main area on your cat’s body that sweats.
Cat paws are also incredibly sensitive. They’re packed with nerve receptors, meaning they’re extra sensitive to help cats run, hunt, climb, jump, and play! Since they’re so sensitive, they’re vulnerable to temperature and hazardous materials. Hot concrete, snow, and corrosive substances can be incredibly harmful to your cat. They can also be vulnerable to your cat’s claws growing into their paw pad.
We know that dogs usually “mark” their territory by urinating, but did you know that cats mark their territory too? Each cat has a unique scent embedded in their paws and claws! The pheromones are released when your cat flexes their paws and scratches. While you may be annoyed that your cat has resorted to scratching up furniture, it’s really just their way of marking the home, and you, as their territory!
According to the Elmhurst Animal Care Center, sometimes a cat may pay more attention to their paws if they’re experiencing allergies or skin infections. If you suspect your cat is having a medical issue, consult your veterinarian right away.
Conclusion
All in all, your cat will shake their paws for a variety of reasons. As long as they’re acting, eating, sleeping, and drinking normally, then enjoy their adorable little shakes!
