Long Bone Ratios in the Thoracic and Pelvic Limbs of Domestic Cats (Felis Catus)

Abstract

In this study, indices and ratio calculations were performed using osteometric measurements of the long bones (humerus, radius, femur, tibia) of the thoracic and pelvic limbs in domestic cats. For this purpose, the bones of a total of 55 adult animals, comprising 33 males and 22 females, were used. Sexual differences were observed in osteometric measurements at a level of significance of p < 0.05, while no gender-related differences were observed in index values. The intermembrial and humerofemoral index values were determined to be 89.83 ± 3.22 and 94.42 ± 5.46, respectively, while the brachial and crural index values were determined to be 96.65 ± 3.54 and 106.55 ± 6.63, respectively. The intermembrial and humerofemoral indices obtained showed that the pelvic limbs of domestic cats were longer than the thoracic limbs. In domestic cats, both the thoracic and pelvic limbs had different activities in hunting, movement, and habitat strategies. A low brachial index indicated hunting manipulation and climbing movements requiring strength, while a high crural index and low intermembrial index supported jumping and agility capacities. The data obtained were believed to serve as a reference for veterinary practice and zooarchaeological approaches, in addition to understanding the habitat strategy of domestic cats in urban life.