Pet cats do not like their paw pads to be touched. If someone touches a cat’s paw pads, it will immediately retract them. If repeatedly bothered, the cat may become angry or even attack. So, why do cats, which usually have a very gentle temperament, dislike having their paw pads touched?

　　The skin on the surface of a pet cat’s paw pads is thicker than that on other furry areas. Inside the paw pad skin, there are many nerves that can keenly sense external stimuli. Because of these sensitive nerves, cats can walk smoothly on uneven surfaces. Moreover, the paw pads consist of fat and elastic fibers, allowing the sole to tightly fit uneven terrain.

　　Inside the paw pad skin of a pet cat, there is not only a dense distribution of sensitive nerve systems, but the paw pads also serve an anti-slip function. When cats feel nervous or hot, they continuously sweat, and the paw pads are the only sweat gland structures on a cat’s body. Cat sweating not only helps regulate body temperature but also provides anti-slip functionality.

　　Given how sensitive and functional a cat’s paw pads are, no matter how generous a cat is, it will not allow others to touch them casually. Of course, we humans should not tease or force cats; instead, providing a safe and comfortable environment is what we should offer our pet cats.

　　Although pet cats dislike having their paw pads touched by people, they will still allow gentle stroking. Cats only reject malicious teasing and aggressive scratching. If the owner gently massages and strokes the cat’s paw pads, the cat may even crave it and show excited, happy expressions.