Cat print in the snow tells the story

Cat print in the snow tells the story. I don't really need to add words. The photo (from reddit.com with the title 'A short story') does make me wonder a bit as to what happened? It looks like it might have been set up. Could a domestic cat have made this single, neat paw print. Possible I guess. 

But I sense looking at that photo that the photographer cleverly carried his cat to the snow and placed a forepaw in it to create the impression that his cat had ventured out with one step only and then decided to stay inside the warm home.

Cat paw print in the snow tells the story. Photo: Reddit.com

I had to make sure that this was a domestic cat print. I am sure that it is. Dog paw prints almost invariably produce claw prints at the tip of the paw pads as their claws are not retractable whereas a cat's claws are. Actually they are better described as protrusible. Read about the difference if you are interested by clicking here.

This is a perfectly formed cat paw print in the snow. Placed carefully by cat or person?! This is a sliding patio door. A lot of cats like to mess around in the snow. Perhaps this cat is an indoor cat. She may have been interested in the snow as it is novel but reticent to venture out as she is used to being indoors. I'm speculating.

Here is an image of a cat's retracted claw:

Diagram of cat's claw and distal phalange or phalanx. Image: MikeB

This explains why the snow paw print is that of a cat.