We've seen the phrase form and function touted commecially so often that we've become almost jaded to the concept. Yet, how many of us would be willing to sacrifice either form or function in the makeup of our cats, for example? Every move of those glorious beasts simply cries out the definition. Each body part works in perfect coordination with every other part.

Small wonder that so many auto manufacturers have enhanced their fastest, sleekest models with feline names:

•  Mercury Cougar, Lynx, and Bobcat
• The Exotic Pantera
• Buick Wildcat
• Jaguar

Take a look at this cat, Taltos, for example. He is "stalking" the fence the same way a panther might stalk a monkey in a tree: Head lowered, eyes intent on the target, ears and whiskers alert, his tail in position for balance.

And those shoulders and feet! You can practically feel the strength in his shoulders, and the way his strong toes are poised to grip the surface of the fence. His whole body is aligned to his intent: that of successfully reaching the other end of the fence.

Although a rear foot seems to have slipped, it's very unlikely that he will fall.

But if he does, chances are that he'll land on his toes. We'll discover more about that amazing ability later.

In my opinion, there are no wasted parts in the makeup of the cat. Each part has a specific purpose - sometimes more than one. And I can see no part lacking whatsoever, although I've heard jokes about opposable thumbs.

Now, however, let's take a look at eleven individual external body parts that combine to make such a magnificent animal.