Claws

Claws

Shed claw sheaths
Cats have protractable and retractable claws.[67] In their normal, relaxed position, the claws are sheathed with the skin and fur around the paw’s toe pads. This keeps the claws sharp by preventing wear from contact with the ground and allows the s

ilent stalking of prey. The claws on the fore feet are typically sharper than those on the hind feet.[68] Cats can voluntarily extend their claws on one or more paws. They may extend their claws in hunting or self-defense, climbing, kneading, or

for extra traction on soft surfaces. Cats shed the outside layer of their claw sheaths when scratching rough surfaces.[69]

Most cats have five claws on their front paws, and four on their rear paws. The dewclaw is proximal to the other claws. More proximall

y is a protrusion which appears to be a sixth “finger”. This special feature of the front paws, on the inside of the wrists has no function in normal walking, but is thought to be an antiskidding device used while jumping. Some cat breeds are prone t

o having extra digits (“polydactyly”).[70] Polydactylous cats occur along North America’s northeast coast and in Great Britain.[71]