What is a toe tuft?

A tuft is a bunch of hair or fur – usually at the end of the tail of some animals.

Toe tufts are bunches of hair between the toes of some animals.  The fur usually sticks out for 1-2 centimetres beyond the paw pad. 

Cats with medium-to-long coats usually have toe tufts.  

Toe tufts enable an animal to walk silently – usually to stalk its prey – because the tuft muffles the noise of its step. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM