Glossary

Retractable claws

Cat claws that rest sheathed inside the toe tips and extend only for climbing, gripping and hunting, which keeps them sharp.

Also called: claw sheath, cat claws, claws

A cat's claws are curved, hooked and attached to the last bone of each toe. Ligaments hold them drawn back inside a protective sheath of skin and fur, so they stay sharp and make no noise on the floor. Muscles and tendons push them out when the cat climbs, grips prey or defends itself. Cheetahs are an exception, since their claws stay partly out.

Claws grow continuously in layers. As the outer layer wears and loosens, the cat pulls it off by scratching or chewing, and you may find thin crescent-shaped husks on the carpet or bedding. That is healthy and no cause for alarm. See scratching for why cats need suitable surfaces.

Trimming the tips every few weeks keeps indoor cats from snagging fabric or growing a claw into the pad. Ask your vet or a groomer to demonstrate. Declawing is a different matter. It removes the end of each toe bone, it is banned or restricted in a number of countries and some US states, and many vets advise against it. Talk to your vet about alternatives if scratching is a problem.

Last reviewed November 7, 2026

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Related terms

Scratching The natural habit of raking claws against a surface to shed claw sheaths, stretch, mark territory and relax. Paw pads The thick, cushioned, hairless pads on the underside of a cat's feet that absorb shock, give grip and help it walk quietly. Dewclaw The small thumb-like claw higher up on the inner side of each front leg that does not touch the ground. Scent marking How a cat leaves chemical messages on objects, people and places using glands in its face, paws and body, and in its urine.

Related guides

How to trim a cat's claws How to trim your cat's claws safely at home, where the quick sits, how often to do it, and when to stop or ask a vet for help. Why cats scratch and how to redirect it Why cats scratch, what makes a good scratching post, how to steer scratching away from furniture, how to trim claws and why declawing is not an answer.