Tigers are uniquely adapted to survive in their habitats. Every part of them, from their fur to their paws, has evolved over centuries to give them the best possible chance of survival, whether they live in the cold forests of the Russian Far East or the tropical forests and mangrove swamps of India. Here, we explore some interesting facts about tigers’ paws.
 

1. Tigers’ forepaws are larger than their hind paws 

This is important in helping tigers to bring down their prey. Tigers often hunt large animals such as deer, wild boar and buffalo, which are strong and can escape if not held securely. The large front paws help with knocking prey to the ground and holding it down, which is often crucial for a successful kill. 
 

2. Tigers’ paws have super soft pads

Tigers have soft cushioning on their paw pads to minimise the noise they make as they roam around. As ambush predators, tigers rely on sneaking up on their prey unseen and unheard. The soft, cushioned paw pads help them to get as close to their prey as possible before making an attack. This is important, as tigers aren’t built to chase their prey over long distances. 
 

3. Tigers have webbing between toes 

We tend to associate webbed feet with animals that live in and around water, but tiger paws have some webbing between the toes too. That’s because tigers love water, and the webbing helps them to swim strongly and efficiently, both for pleasure and if they chase prey into water. 
 

4. Tiger claws are retractable

Tigers have long, curved claws - up to 10 cm in length - which are designed for grabbing and holding onto prey. These claws aren’t exposed all the time though - they sit under a protective sheath of skin while the tiger walks around, which keeps the claws sharp. Tigers have special tissue that allows the claws to extend when required.
 

5. Paws have unique patterns 

Tigers’ paw prints - also known as pugmarks -have unique patterns on them, a bit like human fingerprints. This means that experts can tell which tiger a paw print belongs to and understand where it has been, where its territory lies, and even the state of its health.

6. Amur tiger paws get thicker fur in winter 

Amur tigers live in very cold places where there is often lots of snow. The extra fur they grow on their paws in winter shields them from frostbite and improves their grip on icy ground. 

Join a tiger for tea

The popular children’s play, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, is touring the UK again this summer, delighting families across the nation with its retelling of Judith Kerr’s classic picture book. As one of the best theatre shows for families, it engages kids from age three and up with songs, dancing, magic and clumsy chaos, offering plenty of interactive moments. Book your tickets at your local venue today to find out why it’s one of theatre’s best-loved children’s shows.