The fact that cats and dogs is considered to be the knees, in fact - ankles and knees tucked away in wool

Birds, dogs, cats and some other animals in biology are called "digitigrade" because when walking do not rely on the sole of the foot (such as people), and on the fingertips - you can tell, they spend all their life "on tiptoe" and elongated bones of the foot at the same time create the effect in the opposite direction to bend the legs.



For knees mistaken tarsal joints, which are located between the tarsal bone and the lower leg. Stifle animals are higher, they bend forward and often invisible under the cloak of fur or feathers.

Even in the paintings animal painters have some details, showing that the authors do not have a clear understanding of the physiology of mammals, so animals often look unnatural posture and farfetched.

via factroom.ru