Toe Beans
February 5, 2026
More Than Something Cute
Nancy Kerr
Have you ever heard the term “toe beans” and wondered what that means? Is it a type of food like kidney or lima beans? Is it something that grows on a toe? It is actually the nickname given to the toe pads on the bottom of a cat’s paw due to their resemblance to jelly beans. Besides looking super cute, these toe beans actually serve several purposes.
- Toe beans primarily consist of thick pigmented skin tissue, as well as collagen and fat tissue. They are more resilient to corroded surfaces and also provide shock absorption.
- Toe beans provide extra traction for climbing or running. The texture enables them to get a good grip on various surfaces, making cats agile hunters and climbers.
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So many toe beans on this polydactyl paw! Toe beans have sweat glands that help them release extra heat since cats don’t sweat through pores.
- Toe beans of six or more on one paw make a cat polydactyl.
- Toe beans are extremely sensitiveand contain numerous nerve endings that help a cat literally feel their way around by picking up changes in texture, temperature, pressure, and vibration. This sensitivity may cause a cat to dislike having their toe beans touched.
Toe bean color is related to fur color. The melanin (pigment) in a cat’s skin determines not only what color their coats are but also the color of the toe beans. White cats have pink toe beans because they have no melanin, whereas black cats will have black toe beans because of the presence of plenty of melanin. In general, darker fur will pair with black or brown toe beans, while lighter fur with pink toe beans. Some cats can have toe beans of different colors, reflecting a cat’s pattern. A blue and white cat can have toe beans that are both blue and pink.
Toe bean color is related to fur color. The melanin (pigment) in a cat’s skin determines not only what color their coats are but also the color of the toe beans. White cats have pink toe beans because they have no melanin, whereas black cats will have black toe beans because of the presence of plenty of melanin. In general, darker fur will pair with black or brown toe beans, while lighter fur with pink toe beans. Some cats can have toe beans of different colors, reflecting a cat’s pattern. A blue and white cat can have toe beans that are both blue and pink.
- Toe beans have scent glands that cats can use to mark territory (their “happy places”). The scent glands are activated when a cat kneads or “makes biscuits” with their paws.
- Toe beans can help with nail trimming if a cat is agreeable to having them touched. Pushing on a toe bean will cause the nail to pop out. When you are done, stop pushing and the nail will retract.
- Toe beans can get dry or injured. It is important to do regular checks (if your cat is agreeable) to see if any are dry or cracked or if anything is stuck in the crevices surrounding them.
- Toe beans can be affected by a rare autoimmune condition, causing an overactive immune system response that sends plasma cells to the foot causing the paw pads to appear puffy. Referred at as “pillow foot” or plasma cell pododermatitis, this can be treated by a veterinarian.
- Toe beans in kittens are generally pink or light-colored at birth. They may darken and develop pigmentation with age.
- Toe beans can change color slightly in response to temperature changes, and may vary in color due to health conditions. Anemia can cause pink ones to appear pale or white. Liver disease, kidney disease, and certain types of infections can also cause them to change color.