# Catster's Weekly Photo Contest Winners Celebrate the Cutest Toe Beans
Catster's weekly photo contest for the week of September 28, 2026, has crowned its winners in the "Best Toe Beans" category, showcasing the adorable pink and black paw pads that cat lovers affectionately call toe beans.
The contest invites cat owners to submit photographs of their felines in their most endearing moments, with each week featuring a different theme. This particular week's focus on toe beans taps into one of the internet's most beloved cat features. Toe beans refer to the small, padded undersides of cats' paws, which often display in shades of pink, black, or mottled combinations depending on the cat's coat color and genetics.
Catster's editorial team reviews submissions from readers across the globe, selecting winners based on photo clarity, the prominence and appeal of the toe beans themselves, and the overall cuteness factor. The winning entries showcase cats in various poses and settings, from stretched-out lounging positions to mid-pounce moments that perfectly capture those precious paw pads.
For pet owners, participating in photo contests like this serves multiple purposes beyond simple entertainment. Sharing photos of your cat encourages connection with other feline enthusiasts in the community. It celebrates the unique personality and physical characteristics of individual cats. The contests also provide a fun, low-pressure way to engage with pet photography without the pressure of professional-level equipment or skills.
Toe beans hold more significance than just visual appeal to cat owners and veterinarians. These paw pads contain sweat glands that help cats regulate temperature and mark territory through scent glands located in their paws. When cats knead blankets or their owners' laps while extending and retracting their claws, they simultaneously display their beans and leave scent markers. Understanding this behavior helps owners recognize when their cats feel content and secure.
The weekly contest format keeps the Catster community engaged throughout the year with fresh themes and fresh submissions. Previous contests have featured categories like "Best Yawns," "Silliest Expressions," and "Most Majestic Poses." Each week presents an opportunity for cat owners to celebrate their pets and potentially see their beloved companions featured on the Catster platform.
Winners of these photo contests often receive recognition within the Catster community, with their photos featured prominently on the website and social media channels. For many cat owners, this serves as a fun way to immortalize their pets' quirky traits and share them with an audience of fellow feline enthusiasts.
Readers interested in submitting photos for upcoming weeks can visit Catster's contest page for submission guidelines and current week themes. The contests remain free to enter and open to cat owners worldwide, making this an accessible way to celebrate the special moments that define life with cats.