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Why do cats have retractable claws?

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A Maine Coon longhair cat with cream and white fur sits beside a tabby shorthair cat in a garden with green foliage in the background. — cat Two kinds of domestic cats.

Most species in the cat family possess retractable claws, with the notable exception of the cheetah.12

This mechanism serves a vital functional purpose: when a cat is not using its claws, they remain retracted, which protects them from wear and tear. When the cat unsheathes its claws, the action also spreads the toes widely, effectively doubling the width of the foot and converting it into a formidable weapon for hunting and self-defense.23

Additionally, cats engage in scratching behaviors—often on trees or scratching posts—to maintain their physical health. This activity helps them shed the old outer sheath of their claws, revealing a new, sharper layer underneath. While the claws themselves lack nerve endings, they contain blood capillaries in the inner "quick" area, which is why care must be taken when trimming a domestic cat's nails.32