Those who have both a cat and a dog know well when the dog approaches — its claws quietly tap on the tile or hardwood floor. Cats, on the other hand, move almost silently because they can retract their 'weapons.' But why has this skill developed only in them?
Despite the fact that dogs and cats have been domestic pets for many years, they still remain predators. They have an innate hunting instinct that manifests itself in different ways: some cats, for example, enjoy playing with toys that mimic hunting or watching birds flying outside the window, while dogs prefer to chase after balls or frisbees.
These animals possess excellent hearing and vision for detecting potential prey, have sharp teeth and quick reflexes, which assist them in hunting. Additionally, they have sharp claws, but their purpose differs between cats and dogs.
What do cats need claws for?
Cats primarily use their claws for attacking prey: they grab their victim with their front paws and strike with their back ones. To hunt successfully, cats need to keep their claws sharp, and if they were always extended, they would quickly wear down on the ground and pavement.
Moreover, cats typically hunt alone. To avoid scaring off potential prey, they need to move as quietly as possible — their soft paws excel at this task. Sharp claws prevent prey from escaping from a cat's grip, allowing them to hunt animals that are two to three times their own size.
What do dogs need claws for?
Dogs, on the other hand, are social hunters. They operate in small groups to hunt large animals, exhausting their prey over long distances. Thus, dogs do not need claws for hunting: a tired prey will surrender to them willingly.
Nevertheless, dog claws are not without significance. Zoologists emphasize that they are important for maintaining traction and maneuverability while running. Claws provide grip on surfaces, allowing animals to quickly stop, gain speed, or change direction — which is a useful skill when pursuing prey.
Many cats can comfortably run without extended claws. The exception is cheetahs — they need their claws to achieve high speeds. Therefore, cheetah claws have evolved to be less retractable and more similar to those of dogs.
