Posted by MB on June 28, 1999 at 12:59:43:
I copied this off of felinefuture.com. In light of your recommendation, I would like to know
what you think of this article below.
Claws of the Cat:
The cat's claws are unique in the animal kingdom in design and function.
Many mammals have claws, with the primary function as an aid in digging
and climbing, and for added traction. The claws of these animals are
continuously growing, like our own finger nails, and are kept from growing
too long through their use.
Cats, however, have evolved a very specific use for their claws, comparable to
birds of prey. Although their agile climbing abilities are greatly supported by
them, and the claws are also frequently used to maintain good traction, the
main purpose, especially for the claws of the front paws, is to get a good grip
onto their prey, and ability to hold on to it. The design of the cat's claws
demonstrates this very nicely. The shape of the claws is sickle-like with a
needle sharp-tip. To maintain the sharp tip, cats are able to retract their claws
into a skin pouch while walking to avoid wear and tear. Of course the cat's
claws grow and renew themselves continuously, but not like a human's
fingernails or the claws of dogs. For a better understanding, envision the cat's
claws to be built very much like an onion. The claw grows within, whilst the
outer, worn layers are shed. The outer layer will loosen from the cuticle and
fall off, a process which is supported by the cat's scratching behaviour,
leaving behind paper-thin claw contours (husks) at her favorite scratching
post.
Because the cat's claws are such "weapons" many care givers like to clip their
companion cats' claws to avoid injury to themselves, or destruction of
furniture. This process, however, severely interrupts the clawsâ natural
renewal cycle. By clipping the tip of the claws the outer layers to be shed
often accumulate alongside the claws and under the cuticle, frequently
resulting in an infection of the nail bed. An accumulation of old layers on
clipped claws often gives the appearance of brittle claws, which care givers
often remedy by lubricating the claws with oil. The oil will soak through the
entire horny tissue of the claw, gluing the layers together. Subsequently, the
claws will grow into large, dull stumps, often causing discomfort to the cat.
Avoid clipping a cat's claws altogether. To avoid injury, reduce unnecessary
handling of the cat, and have cuddle and stoke sessions on the catâs terms.
Donât pick up a cat that dislikes being picked up. Play with toys attached to a
stick or suspended from a string. Provide the cat with suitable scratching
locations and objects to avoid damage to your furnishings.
Keep in mind that it was your choice to invite a predator into your home as a
companion animal. Respect the cat for who she is and handle her
accordingly. This way, injury should be rare and only accidental.
If you must clip a cat's claws because of young children in the house, check
the claws regularly for infection, and remove old, built-up layers with your
nails.
Otherwise a cat's claws needs little attention besides the occasional removal
of waxy debris from around the cuticle. Do not lubricate a catâs claws with
oil! Instead make sure your cat receives all necessary fatty acids and high
quality protein through her diet for healthy claws.