Comparative Analysis of Paw Pad Structure in the Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

Abstract

The Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a medium-sized highly arboreal cat. This study compares the structure of the digital, metacarpal and metatarsal pads of the manus and pes in N. nebulosa to that of the domestic cat (Felis catus). Covered by a stratified squamous cornified epithelium, the pads have a supple deposit of subepidermal fat that is partitioned by collagen fibers and extensively anchored to the muscle tendon sheaths. In both animals, a pes metatarsal pad suspensory ligament originates from the Mm. flexores digitorum profundi tendon and forms 3-4 small branches that project through the dermal fat layer and attach to the pad epidermis. In the cat manus, four tendons of equal size extend from the M. flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) to form the manica flexoria in digits 2-4 from which extends a metacarpal pad suspensory ligament (MPSL) on digits 2 and 5 that extends into the tela subcutanea and epidermis. On digits 3 and 4 MPSL extends directly from the FDS tendon itself. In contrast, manus FDS tendons 1 and 5 in N. nebulosa were thin and either project directly to the tela subcutanea (tendon 1) or connect with the manica flexoria forming a metacarpal pad suspensory ligament (tendon 5). Tendons 2-4 connect with the manica flexoria from which MPSL project into the tela subcutanea and epidermis. In both species, the suspensory ligaments may serve to contract the pad to conform to the under lying substrate, thus enhancing the animal's ability to grip branches while climbing.

Anatomical Basis of Differences in Locomotor Behavior in Martens: AComparison of the Forelimb Musculature Between Two Sympatric Species of Martes

“…Apart from differences in tendon length, we did not find any differences in the thickness of the tendons of the main wrist flexors in both marten species. By contrast, it has been reported for the arboreal felid Neofelis nebulosa that the tendons of the M. palmaris longus to digits 1 and 5 are thinner than the robust tendons to digits 2, 3, and 4 (Hubbard et al, ). Since the latter tendons align most closely to the main axis of the forelimb in grasping the substrate, this morphology has been interpreted as providing more support during suspensory arboreal locomotion (Hubbard et al, ).…”

“…By contrast, it has been reported for the arboreal felid Neofelis nebulosa that the tendons of the M. palmaris longus to digits 1 and 5 are thinner than the robust tendons to digits 2, 3, and 4 (Hubbard et al, ). Since the latter tendons align most closely to the main axis of the forelimb in grasping the substrate, this morphology has been interpreted as providing more support during suspensory arboreal locomotion (Hubbard et al, ). Neofelis nebulosa is unique among carnivores in being able to move along horizontal supports with the body suspended underneath branches.…”

“…Neofelis nebulosa is unique among carnivores in being able to move along horizontal supports with the body suspended underneath branches. Other mammals that display a similar tendon morphology include suspensory primates and sloths (Hubbard et al, ).…”

“…Neofelis nebulosa is unique among carnivores in being able to move along horizontal supports with the body suspended underneath branches. Other mammals that display a similar tendon morphology include suspensory primates and sloths (Hubbard et al, 2009). Furthermore, differences in the tendinous pattern associated with the M. flexor digitorum longus (synonymous to M. flexor digitorum profundus used in the present study) of the hand observed in lizards have been related to differences in climbing ability (Abdala et al, 2009).…”

Morphological and Histological Study on the Foot Pads of the Anatolian Bobcat (Lynx lynx)

“…Metacarpal, metatarsal, and digital pads in digitigrade animals as well as cats and dogs make ground contact; there is a carpal pad of no obvious use but no corresponding tarsal pad (Shummer et al, ; Dyce et al, ; König and Liebich, ). The carpal pad of cats and dogs is located on the palmar aspect of the carpus (Shummer et al, ; Dyce et al, ; Hubbard et al, ; König and Liebich, ). The metacarpal and metatarsal pads of the second to fourth digit of each foot are fused to form a single pad (König and Liebich, ).…”