DO CATS HAVE KNEES AND ELBOWS?

​If humans have knees on their legs and elbows on their arms, do cats have four knees? Although cats are described as our four-legged friends, it does not mean they have four knees. So let us take a good look and see what cats have down there. ​

DO CATS HAVE KNEES AND ELBOWS?

​Yes, cats have elbows on their front legs and knees on their hind legs. But, first, let us look at the cat's anatomy so we can see for ourselves.

The anatomy of a cat's knee (back legs):
Many people believe that cats have one of the most versatile and efficient locomotion systems in the animal kingdom. The knee joint is remarkably adaptable because it allows for flexible motion when climbing and jumping. The knee joint (stifle) consists of the thighbone (femur), shinbone (tibia), and patella. These bones work together to create a hinge that allows the cat to bend their knee up to 180 degrees. The kneecap (patella) sits atop this hinge, providing stability as the leg moves forward or backward.

The anatomy of a cat's elbow (front legs):
The elbow allows the front leg to move from the shoulder to the paw. The elbow consists of three bones: the humerus, radius, and ulna. The ulna is shorter than the other two bones and fits into a socket in the proximal humerus. The elbow acts like a hinge allowing leg movement in multiple directions, such as up and down, side-to-side, and forward and backward.

Holding everything together are two large bands of tissue called ligaments that form the shape of a cross across the cat's knee.

Cats Bone Diagram (Knee and Elbow):

CATS RUNNING MOTION (click on image to play): 

Video by Wiki

conclusion

In conclusion, cats do have knees and elbows, which does not change that they are still our four-legged friends. We should continue to appreciate them for all they do for us and show them our love. ​