Structure of the Ckeleton

The domestic cat's skeleton is almost identical to that of the big cats in both shape and proportion; the only real difference is in size.

In all cats, the many vertebrae give superb mobility, but the forelegs also provide highly visible flexibility; when a cat walks, its shoulder blades rise above the spine, just as in the lion or tiger.

Less apparent to the eye is the intricate bony structure of the wrists, which allows exceptional dexterity in actions such as retrieving prey from its hiding place or walking along narrow ledges.