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The Complete Cat

Perfect Marriage of Form and Function

By , About.com Guide

Cats' bodies (form) are designed to keep pace with their survival needs (function). As the lion has come to be known as the King of the Jungle, the ordinary house cat has earned a solid reputation as ruler of the home.

To watch a cat stalk and catch his prey provides a lesson rarely matched in the form and function of a strong, supple, well-developed animal. After watching and waiting, sometimes for hours, once prey is sighted, he calculates size, distance, even wind direction, then he melds every part of his body into a single unit of naturally-flowing strength, grace and speed to bring down his next meal.

Would any of us be willing to sacrifice either form or function in the makeup of our cats? Every move of those glorious beasts simply cries out the definition.

Small wonder that so many car manufacturers have enhanced their fastest, sleekest models with feline names.

Let's view the parts of a cat's anatomy that meld into a whole of inimitable form and function.

Images 1-11 of 11
Picture of Cat Stalking the FenceThe Complete Cat: The Wholepicture of cat's eyesThe Complete Cat: Cat EyesPicture of cat's noseThe Complete Cat: The NosePicture of Mouth and Teeth of a CatThe Complete Cat: Cats Mouth and Teeth
Picture of two Cats' WhiskersThe Complete Cat: The WhiskersPicture of Cat's EarsThe Complete Cat: Cats' EarsPicture of Cat's TailThe Complete Cat: Cat's TailPicture of Shoulders and Forelimbs of a CatThe Complete Cat: The Shoulders and Front Legs
Picture of a Cat's Claw in ActionThe Complete Cat: The All-Important ClawsPicture of Cat's Haunches and Rear LegsThe Complete Cat: Cats' Rear Legs and HaunchesPicture of tortoiseshell cat fur.The Complete Cat: Cats' Fur
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