Why do cats have paws? Scientists have provided an answer to this significant question.

Cat enthusiasts can share plenty about their pets and the reasons behind their affection. However, if you ask what feature garners the most admiration, their soft paw pads are likely to top the list.

Yet, scientists argue that tens of millions of years of evolution were not solely for us to marvel at these pads. At least, that's how evolutionary biologist Jonathan Losos from the University of Washington explains it in an interview with Live Science.

According to him, having pads is not unique to cats; it is a characteristic shared by all members of the Carnivora order, including dogs, bears, raccoons, otters, and more.

"This is an ancient trait. And I suspect that in most cases, they all have it for the same purpose," noted Losos.

He suggests that soft pads likely existed in the common ancestors of all Carnivores and emerged around 50 million years ago. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to ask why this trait appeared in these animals, rather than just in cats.

The primary function is aiding movement. We all know that cats can fall from great heights and land softly, thanks to their pads. They are made of fatty tissue surrounded by a layer of collagen, which helps cushion impacts with hard surfaces. Studies have shown that when compressed, the pads become firmer, allowing for more effective load distribution upon landing.

The unique structure of the pads even inspired scientists to develop better footwear for parachutists.

In addition to cushioning falls, cat paws help maintain grip. Typically, this role is fulfilled by claws, but cats keep their sharpness for more critical tasks like hunting, climbing trees, and scratching furniture. Therefore, when running, they primarily rely on the grip provided by their pads, without which they would slip on their furry feet.

Moreover, the pads contain many nerve endings, making them highly sensitive to temperature and surface texture. You may have noticed that cats dislike being touched in that area? Now you know why.

Another function is thermoregulation. Since sweat glands are present there, they can assist in regulating body temperature.

There's also an interesting fact—pads can vary in color among different cats. This is dictated by the level of melanin pigment, just like the color of their fur.

Thus, tens of millions of years of evolution were not solely for us to admire them now. But we will continue to do so regardless.

And if you find the evolution of cat paws strange, remember that some fly larvae have grown a "face" on their rear ends to fit into termite society.