All cats, even domestic ones, adopt a very specific way of walking called “direct registering.”
Direct registering takes place when the cat walks placing their hind paws exactly in the same spot that the front paw just landed. If you want to understand better how it works, you can watch this video: https://www.ok-cats.com/2022/09/cat-walking-direct-registering-in-sand.html where it is clear how the cat leaves just one line of foot prints.
This gait is clearly visible when our cat is walking on the sand or snow. Direct registering allows the cat to walk silently when stalking a prey, minimizing the risk of making noise; at the same time this single line of paw prints can mislead potential predators.
Many animals in nature use this trick to either improve their chances catching a prey or to deceive a potential predator; just to name a few; camels, giraffes, foxes, bobcats and coyotes.
Wild dogs can also use direct registering, contrary to domestic dogs, who have abandoned this way of walking, now unnecessary to their survival.
Just out of curiosity: ever wondered the origin of the term “cat-walk?
Samira Coccon
More info: gattiumaniealtrianimali.it
cat walking on snow
