Why Cats Need Their Claws

One reason as to why cats need their claws, and perhaps the most important one, is that cats use their claws for protection. Cats use their claws to lash out at their enemies whenever the cat feels that they are in danger. Cats also use their claws to climb trees when they feel threatened. When cats show their claws most enemies will leave them alone because the cats' claws are so sharp and the enemy is aware of that fact. Cats can garner a lot of attention just by making a quick swipe across another animal's nose with their claws outstretched.

Cats claws are great for snagging toys.

Another reason why cats need their claws is to use those claws in play. Cats claws are great for snagging toys either in the air or hidden behind other objects like furniture or trees. Cats love batting at toys and play hunting for other toys. The claws of the cat make it easy for them to get those toys they are batting at or hunting for.

Cats love to scratch and that is exactly another reason why cats need their claws. Cats use scratching as a stress reliever and not as a reason to ruin your sofas like many cat owners think. Scratching for a cat releases stress, affirms territory and exercises the cats muscles. Claws will make this scratching activity so much better for your cat. This is true because scratching releases the tension between the embedded claws and the upper body muscles of the cat. Scratching with claws leaves visual markings for the territory and the scratching gives off sounds that are relaxing to a cat. Scratching without claws does not give the same satisfaction to cats.

Cats can use their claws as a way to converse and talk to their owners. When a cat repeatedly contracts their claws in and out in a massaging type action it is trying to tell you that they love you. When a cat lets their claws at without retracting those claws it is a way to show you a warning that they are tired of playing or sitting with you for the time being, it is a way to say they have had enough and want to move on.

Cats can also use their claws as traction when they are grooming themselves. The claws help them on slippery surfaces by digging a little into that surface so that cats can get a good grip and not fall off. The claws also help the cat scratch an itch they may have somewhere on their bodies, a paw without claws just does not scratch as well.

Cats need their claws for balance and agility. Most cats will use both front and back claws as a form of cleats to gain traction when jumping and running. The claws come out on a cat when they are jumping from one surface or another helping the cat to remain graceful and keep their balance. Cats will use their claws when running to get a better grip on the surface and help propel them faster while running. The cats claws are also used when they are falling to help them gain hold of the surface that they are falling onto so that they do not get hurt.
Why cats need their claws is a fairly easily answered question. Cats don't use their claws to annoy their owners but instead they use their claws to protect themselves from attackers or getting hurt. A cat will use their claws for help in running, jumping and balance. Cats also need their claws for conversations and grooming.

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