Cat claws can be a bit of a puzzle, sometimes even magical to their owners. We're going to explore some interesting stuff about why cats have claws and how they use them. Get ready for some interesting and cool cat claw facts!
Cat Claws and Nails are Totally Different Things
It's easy to think of cat claws like our nails, but they're not the same. Our nails are flat and just sit on top of our fingers and toes, mainly to protect them. But cat claws are different – they stick out from the front of their toes. They're like tools they use to protect themselves, catch and hold onto things, balance, rip meat, and climb.
Most cats have five claws on each front paw and four on each back paw. But some cats, called polydactyl cats, have extra claws – it's like having bonus toes! The shorter claw on the inside of their front paws, kind of like our thumb, is called the dewclaw. They use this one to help them get a good grip on their prey.
Your average indoor cat might mostly use them to play with toys, but keeping their claws in good shape is still important for their health.
Now, here's the interesting part, cat claws are kind of like a mix of our fingertips and fingernails. Like our nails, they have this outer layer, called keratin, that sheds regularly. This layer covers the quick, which is like the sensitive part under our nails. The pointy, curved part we see is the keratin sheath. But unlike our nails, a cat's claw is actually attached to a bone, just like our fingertips are. They've also got these special ligaments that let them pull their claws in and out.
Cat Claws Never Stop Growing
A cat's claws grow in the same way our fingernails do, throughout their life. They naturally keep them in check a bit by walking around and sometimes even by chewing on them. When cats scratch, they're actually helping the old, dull part of the claw come off. As they get older, they might not manage this on their own as well, which means you'll likely need to trim them more often so they stay in good shape.
Cats Have Scratching Preferences
To keep a cat's claws healthy, they need to do what comes naturally – scratch! It's how they shed the outer layer of their claws, that keratin we talked about. The trick is figuring out what kind of surface your cat likes to scratch on so they'll keep using it.
It's interesting, but every cat has their own favorite. You can buy scratching posts made of wood, carpet, rope, or cardboard, but it's not like one is better than the others for all cats. It really depends on what your cat likes. The best thing to do, according to the experts, is to try out different types and put them in different spots around the house. Some cats like a flat surface, others prefer a tall, straight post, and some like something that's angled.
Have you seen the Cat-e-Corner from Hilde & Phil? It's designed to wrap right around the side of your sofa or lounge chair, giving your cat a great, sturdy sisal scratching surface. It's a win-win because it even doubles as a nice little side table for you! It's all about figuring out what your cat prefers and finding solutions that work for both of you.
Cat Claws are Curved
Another interesting thing about cat claws is that they naturally curve at the ends. This curve is super helpful for them when they're catching prey or climbing because it helps them get a good grip. But, that curve can also cause problems sometimes. Their claws can get caught in carpet loops which can hurt their toes.
Front Cat Claws are Retractable
Cats can pull their front claws back, but not all the way inside. You might think they disappear completely, but when they're relaxed, they're just held up off the ground, resting in the fur around their toes. If you look closely, you can still see the very tips of their claws sticking out from the fur. It's a bit easier to see on hairless cats, like the Sphynx.
When a cat wants to use its claws, it pulls on a tendon to make them extend out. It's kind of like how we point our toes and flex our ankles.
This ability to tuck their claws in means that when a cat walks, their claws aren't actually touching the ground. This helps keep them sharp because they're not getting worn down all the time. It also means that cats can walk super quietly, which is perfect for sneaking up on things! That's why their back claws don't need as much trimming - they get worn down more just by walking around.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Claws
Q. Do you have to trim a cat's claws?
A. The answer is, not always. Unless their claws get too long, it's not usually necessary. Cats actually need their claws for a lot of things, like climbing and marking their territory. So, trimming them too much can limit what they can do.
Q. What about the Risks of overgrown claws?
A. Well, once their nails get too long, they can curve and grow into their paw pads! Can you imagine how uncomfortable and painful that would be? Also, if you don't keep their nails trimmed, you're also raising the risk of them getting a nasty bacterial infection.
Q. Do Cats Hate Nail Trims?
A. Trimming nails can make some cats feel a little uncomfortable and because of this, it’s wise to avoid trying to trim nails when they're active or seem anxious. A better approach is to wait until your kitty is feeling relaxed, perhaps after they have had their meal. This can help make the entire nail-trimming process go more smoothly.
Q. Should Cats Ever Be Declawed?
A. Actually, in many places around the world declawing surgery is against the law. Even in the United States, there's a growing movement to make it illegal because it's seen as a form of abuse.
Before you even think about having this surgery done on your cat, just stop and ask yourself this: Would you want the top part of every one of your fingers and toes cut off?
