05/29/2026
🐱Feline Fact Friday!🐱
Today fact is cat claws and how they work!
Cat claws are made up of the same thing our nails are made of, keratin. While our nails grow in flat layers, cats grow around their quick, the blood vessel at the base of the nail.
Cats use muscles and ligaments in their paws to extend or retract their claws, they have complete control over when they want to extend and retract the claws, even while bending their paws or walking. While the claw is sheathed/ retracted they walk very quietly, this helps stalk pray. The act of extending the claws is both instinctive and meaningful for cats. The claws will extend in times of stress or if they are kneading (relaxed and content), while hunting or climbing as well as when they are scratching!
Just like dogs, cats need regular nail maintenance to ensure they do not over grow, causing discomfort or pain to the kitty. Nails that are left to grow too long have the potential to grow into the soft pad on the underside of the cats paw, depending on severity this could cause infection or need veterinarian care to safely remove and treat.
LuckyDucky Pet Spa offers nail trim appointments, in the salon or in the comfort of your own home, to help our furry friends have the best nail and joint health possible!
Call, text or DM to make an appointment for your pets PAWdicure!🐾🐱
*Image from Catster.com