Cat’s Claws: What Are They For?
The claws of the cat are a fundamental element both in the defense and in the dexterity of this animal when it comes to moving and grabbing objects. Therefore, its proper maintenance is vital.
The claws of felines, unlike those present in other animals, should be conceived as a tool rather than as a body area. However, many times the owners, either due to ignorance or their own practicality, tend to cut them or even remove them without considering the possible impact it may have on their pet.
Felines are wild animals by nature, which tend to move through all kinds of environments and feed on a great diversity of prey. Despite having adapted to a domestic environment, the cat’s claws are still necessary due to their versatility and usefulness in a multitude of daily behaviors, such as climbing, scratching, picking up objects, separating food or defending against possible dangers.
Unlike the nails of humans, the claws of the cat are not flat nor are they at the end of the phalanges with an exclusive protective function, but they arise from the front part of the fingers with a curvature that allows them to move through any surface.
In general, cats have five claws on their front limbs and four on the back, although there are so-called polydactyls that can have more.
As a curiosity, it should be noted that some of the cat’s claws are retractable, so that they remain hidden until they feel the need to expose them. Thus, these accessory claws remain protected while complementing the function of the pads by cushioning the impact that the animal exerts against the ground when moving.
This ability to retract means that, when the cat moves, its claws do not touch the ground and they do not wear out. In addition, it allows them to be more stealthy, which benefits them both when hunting and fleeing from possible predators.
As in most animals, including humans, cats’ claws grow throughout their lives, so they must be polished periodically to avoid unfeasible overgrowth.
However, the very activity of these animals usually means that the owners must trim their nails in a spaced manner. Even so, as cats age and their dynamism tends to decrease, trimming will have to be more frequent.
The curved morphology adopted by the cat’s claws is an advantage when it comes to tearing prey and climbing. However, in the domestic environment it can be a problem and increase the number of snags with carpets or curtains, with the consequent injuries.
For this reason, in recent years specialized brands in pet care have appeared that have released a kind of covers or stops to seal and protect the claws and, with it, the health of these animals.
Faced with such solutions, experts recommend trying to avoid all kinds of invasive practices. And it is preferable to opt for armchair protectors or avoid tablecloths or carpets that could put the animal at risk.
In addition, most agree that total nail removal is a practice that is not only painful, but can markedly alter the character of the cat.
Proper care of the cat’s claws is key to its daily activity, as they are a key tool for moving and eating. Therefore, the owners must prioritize the health of the animal before any damage in terms of their own comfort.
