retractable claw
Feline's hidden weapon
A retractable claw is one that can be drawn back into a protective sheath when not in use.
Cats have retractable claws—extended for hunting, climbing, or defense, then pulled back to keep them sharp and out of the way during walking.
The feature distinguishes cats from dogs, whose claws remain exposed.
The term extends to mechanical devices that mimic this action: The robot arm had retractable claws for gripping objects.
- felineOf or like cats
- house catDomesticated feline pet
- catSmall furry housepet
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- razor sharpExtremely fine edge
sheathed · paw · scratch · grip · velvet · hunting · predator · wild animal · big cat · extend · hook · nail · curved · leopard · quick reflexes · tiger · lion · climbing
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