Dear Supporters of Bacon,

I hope you are having a wonderful spring season.

One of the wonderful ladies at Tabby’s Place sent me a photo of Bacon’s “toe beans.” That photo inspired me on a journey to learn more about the basics of a cat’s feet/paws.

Full disclosure. I have never really paid that much attention to Bacon’s feet. He’s usually using them to walk around me, climb over me, or essentially stay upright when he does his statue pose and stares at me. Occasionally, he may be sleeping, but I’m usually not looking at his feet.

Then I got that photo, and all of that changed. I was determined to see these “toe beans” in person. First, I did some research—why are the cat pads on a cat’s feet called “toe beans?” Answer: Because the little pads on the bottom of their feet look like jelly beans. Ah. Ha. That made sense. I wanted to know more.

This is what I learned. The official name for “toe beans” is “digital pads.” And they are what make a cat a cat. A cat uses these pads to soften the blow if he falls from a significant height. These “toe beans” also help a cat control momentum when they run or jump. The “toe beans” contain a cat’s scent, one of the reasons why a cat will make biscuits with their paws. And, lastly, depending on the color scheme of your cat, the “toe beans” can be pink, black, or a mixture.

When I visit Bacon, I have to acknowledge that he lives in his own special world. I often like to humanize cats and see the many ways they are like us—how they love snacks, for example—but there are differences. I now take special notice when Bacon walks on his “toe beans.”

Cats are special in that their natural way of walking is similar to the way we tiptoe around. Carl Sandburg wrote the famous line, “The fog comes on little cat feet,” quietly slipping in and out of the harbor. He must have known a cat like Bacon.

Medically speaking, Bacon has had an eventful month. He was sedated for his phenobarbital level check, physical exam, dental, and grooming. Wow. He then got all his necessary vaccines. I’m impressed. In terms of his health, Bacon did have several longer seizures. He also had a few days of loose stool and vomiting. But he’s recovered and is back to his usual self, and as cute as ever!

Thank you, as always, for being in Bacon’s corner. His comfortable and caring surroundings are the result of people like you who contribute to Tabby’s Place. Bacon and I wish you a lovely May, filled with flowers and warm breezes.

Your correspondent,
Kate