Why cats have retractable claws

We address tips on scratch training and your cat in an earlier Ask the Vet post. Hunting: Cats are natural hunters. Their retractable claws provide them with traction while running and help them catch and hold onto their prey. Leaving their scent: When cats scratch an item, they leaving behind a special scent produced from glands on their paws.

This allows a cat to leave its signature behind as a message to other cats. While indoor cats have little need to defend themselves, their claws still offer the security of knowing they have a form of protection. The extension and retraction of a cat's claws is similar to the way in which a person points their toes and flexes their ankle back. This ability to retract the claws means that when a cat is walking, the claws aren't touching the ground.

This cuts down on wear and tear of the claws and ensures that they retain their sharpness. It also means that cats can walk quite quietly, the better to sneak up on their prey. This is why most cats' rear claws don't require trimming as often; they are worn down more through normal walking. Cats walk on their toes, and this is known as being digitigrade. In contrast, humans are plantigrade walkers, which means that the sole of the foot is the walking surface.

Because of this, cats that are declawed can have trouble balancing properly. The cat can still use the tendons to extend and retract the nails, much like you can still point and flex your ankle while wearing a boot. Because the nail cap is thicker than a cat's claw and usually has a color, they are seen more clearly when a cat is resting than the thin end-portion of their claw is.

Cats have claws that curve at the ends. This aids them in catching and holding onto prey and also in climbing. However, it adds to the risk of cats' nails getting stuck in items such as carpet loops and subsequently injuring their toes.

The nail caps usually fall off as this happens. You can then trim the claws and reapply the caps. Cats' claws grow continuously, just like human nails. Cats may wear them down through walking or biting at them. What animals have retractable claws? Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Find an adult who can help you keep learning with one or more of the activities below! Take a few minutes to check out this big cat photo gallery. Which type of cat is your favorite? Ask a friend or family member to help you write a post on social media about which type of cat you like the most.

Have you ever heard that cats have nine lives? Learn more about this myth and where it came from. Then, share what you learned with a friend or family member. Are you feeling creative? Make up your own cat-inspired character and make up a story about them! You can write a short story or draw your own comic strip. Be sure to show off your creation when your story is finished! Did you get it?

Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words prey weapon partially visible flexes tendons retractable emerge exposing Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Related Wonders for You to Explore Match its definition: animal hunted or caught for food. Word Match Congratulations! Share results.