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...I need to start defining the paws and I don't have any experience with the shorter hairs that are found in this area. Anyone have any advice or helpful hints? I'd really appreciate it.
This is coming along splendidly, Nancy.
I don't have a definite answer to your question - all I can do is try to tell you what my own approach would be in the hope that it might help.
I'm assuming you're working from a source photo? Well, when you look at the photo you obviously know that the hair is short. And I can see from your under-drawing that you understand the three-dimensional form of the paws. The trick is to ask yourself why you see that hair as being short. Thoroughly analyse what you see until you boil it down to it's main elements. With luck you'll suddenly see what it is that's sending the "this is short hair" message to your brain.
Now you have the vital key, you don't need to be a slave to the photo. Just start drawing so you incorporate and emphasise the magic ingredient. It may not work at first but you'll quickly find your drawing refines itself from the constant feedback. When it looks right it is right so just forge ahead with your newly acquired knowledge and the whole area should almost draw itself.
This technique applies to just about everything. Find the key that's signalling the texture or form to the brain then interpret the photo - never be a slave to it (not that I'm suggestion you are - that was just a general observation 
).
Also alter the lighting to best suit what you want to achieve with that area. The shadow behind the cat suggests the photo was taken with a flash, which often destroys detail and flattens form. Use the photo as a guide but set out to recreate the cat, not the photo.
MIKE
www.SibleyFineArt.com
www.Starving-Artists.net
