 Cats , like dogs , are <unk> . They walk directly on their toes , with the bones of their feet making up the lower part of the visible leg . Cats are capable of walking very precisely , because like all felines , they directly register ; that is , they place each hind paw ( almost ) directly in the print of the corresponding fore paw , minimizing noise and visible tracks . This also provides sure footing for their hind paws when they navigate rough terrain . Unlike most mammals , when cats walk , they use a " pacing " gait ; that is , they move the two legs on one side of the body before the legs on the other side . This trait is shared with camels and giraffes . As a walk speeds up into a trot , a cat 's gait changes to be a " diagonal " gait , similar to that of most other mammals ( and many other land animals , such as lizards ) : the diagonally opposite hind and fore legs move simultaneously . 
