<P> A paw is the soft foot like part of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws . </P> <P> The paw is characterised by thin, pigmented, keratinised, hairless epidermis covering subcutaneous collagenous and adipose tissue, which make up the pads . These pads act as a cushion for the load - bearing limbs of the animal . The paw consists of the large, heart - shaped metacarpal or palmar pad (forelimb) or metatarsal or plantar pad (rear limb), and generally four load - bearing digital pads, although there can be five or six toes in the case of domestic cats and bears (including giant panda). A carpal pad is also found on the forelimb which is used for additional traction when stopping or descending a slope in digitigrade species . Additional dewclaws can also be present . </P> <P> The paw also includes a horn - like, beak shaped claw on each digit . Though usually hairless, certain animals do have fur on the soles of their paws . An example is the red panda, whose furry soles help insulate them in their snowy habitat . </P>

Why do dogs have pads on their legs