retracted claw![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
When a cat walks, its claws retract into a cutaneous fold (sheath) and it moves on its pads.
distal phalanx ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bone of the lower terminal end of the toe bearing the claw.
proximal phalanx ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bone of the upper terminal end of the toe connected to the metacarpus.
tendon ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Fibrous tissue connecting the muscle to the bone; relaxing the tendon causes the claw to retract.
middle phalanx ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Bone of the central part of the toe between the proximal and distal phalanges.
claw ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Curved pointy retractable corneous structure allowing the cat to climb, catch its prey and defend itself.