The paw pads on the bottom of cats' paws are adorable and have a squishy feel that has captivated many pet owners. Live Science, a science media outlet, explains why such paw pads exist.

Cats may act aloof, but behind those dramatic stares and slow blinks might be something hilariously wholesome—like thinking ...

which gives them their squishy, bouncy feel and helps absorb shock waves from impact. One study that examined the structure of domestic cats' paw pads found that they become stiffer as they ...