The legs appear short when compared with the length of the body, but they are powerful. Strong muscles produce instant power for leaping upon prey or for great bursts of speed to catch prey on the run. The front legs are also powerful and extremely flexible. A cat can stretch its forelegs wide apart to hug the body of an enemy and hold it close. The forepaws can be tucked under the chest when the animal crouches, can be curved around the head when the animal washes behind the ears, and can be turned palm up for washing under and between the toes.
Most cats have five toes in the forepaws and four in the hind paws.
Some domestic cats, especially in the northeastern United States, have extra toes on the inner sides of the front feet or of all feet. This oddity, polydactylism, is an inherited dominant trait. Cats with this trait are prized by many owners. Male and Female Cats reproduce so prolifically that there are millions more cats than good homes. Female cats come into heat repeatedly and may become nervous or ill-tempered and lose weight if not permitted to mate.