Differences Between a Cat, Dog, & Human Skeleton

Differences Between a Cat, Dog, & Human Skeleton
••• Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images

Cats, dogs and humans have most of the same bones, but they are significantly different from each other. Cats and dogs, in the order Carnivora, are more like each other than either is like humans.

Skull

Cats and dogs have long muzzles (longer in dogs than in cats) with grasping and tearing teeth; humans have a flat-faced skull and less specialized teeth. The braincase dominates the human skull but is relatively smaller in cats and dogs.

Torso

Cats' and dogs' shoulder bones are designed to support the weight of the upper body. Cats' and dogs' flexible spines act like a suspension bridge, while the human spine acts like a support column.

Limbs

Unlike cats and dogs, humans can reach over their heads because of our shoulder structure. Human legs are longer than the arms, while in cats and dogs, they are approximately equal.

Hands and feet

Cats and dogs walk on their toes while humans use the entire foot. Human hands are unique, as are cats' retractable claws.

Hips and tail

Because humans are bipedal, the pelvis is rotated relative to cats' and dogs'. The coccyx is all that remains of the human tail.

Related Articles

Human Vs. Primate Hands
How Are Bird Bones Different From Human Bones?
Facts About the Human Skull for Kids
Human Vs. Primate Hands
Parts of the Human Heel
Similarities of Frogs & Humans
Comparison Between the Skeletons of Frogs & Humans
What Are the Structural Parts of the Long Bones in...
What Is a Homologous Trait?
How to Compare the Anatomy of a Beef Heart & a Human...
How to Study the Bones in the Human Skeleton
Anatomy of the Ligaments in the Forearms
The Difference Between Chimpanzee Skulls & Human Skulls
What Percentage of Bones in the Body Comprise the Axial...
How Are Bird Bones Different From Human Bones?
How to Make a Model of a Human Ball Socket Joint
How to Find the Missing Side of a Right Triangle
What are the Differences Between a Cow Eye & Human...
What Is on the Left Side of Your Body in Human Anatomy?

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!