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Why do most cats have retractable claws?

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Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) with tufted ears and spotted fur walking through snow in a winter landscape. — feline The Eurasian lynx (*Lynx lynx*), a member of the family Felidae, can be found in forests that range from Scandinavia to far eastern Russia. It is the largest member of the genus *Lynx* and the third largest predator in Europe.

In the family Felidae, most cats possess claws that are retractile, a mechanism that allows them to keep their claws sharp and protected when not in use.12

When a cat unsheathes its claws, the action also spreads the toes widely, effectively doubling the width of the foot and transforming it into a formidable weapon for hunting and self-defense. While the claws themselves lack nerve endings, they contain blood capillaries in the inner "quick" area, which is why they must be maintained carefully.2

Beyond their use as weapons, cats use their claws to shed the old outer sheath, revealing a sharper layer underneath. This instinctual behavior, often observed when cats scratch trees or posts, also helps them stretch their bodies, flex their feet, and mark their territory using scent glands located on their paws. This specialized claw-sheathing mechanism is present in all members of the cat family with the notable exception of the cheetah.312