Cats skeletons are a marvel of evolution and consist of between 230 and 250 bones. This structure, which has less mass than a dog's skeleton, gives cats their characteristic lightness and agility. Their spinal column, which is made up of more than 50 vertebrae, is amazingly flexible, with elastic intervertebral discs that give them exceptional mobility and agility.
A cat's skull, which has large eye sockets, promotes binocular vision, while its powerful jaw is equipped with teeth designed for cutting. The chest cavity protects their vital organs, and their clavicles are not directly connected to the rest of the skeleton, which increases their ability to squeeze into narrow spaces In addition, the cat's limbs are designed for speed. Meaning they are silent and elegant in movement. Finally, the tail is composed of several small vertebrae that are essential for balance.
These characteristics reflect the cat's hunting lifestyle, with a skeleton that is designed to absorb the impact of jumping or falling. Kittens are born with a partially developed skeleton that hardens with age. However, like every living being, cats can suffer from bone related problems such as arthritis or breaks. This is why it's important to consultant a cat osteopath to take care of them.