 Like almost all members of the Felidae , cats have <unk> and retractable claws . In their normal , relaxed position , the claws are sheathed with the skin and fur around the paw 's toe pads . This keeps the claws sharp by preventing wear from contact with the ground and allows the silent stalking of prey . The claws on the fore feet are typically sharper than those on the hind feet . Cats can voluntarily extend their claws on one or more paws . They may extend their claws in hunting or self @-@ defense , climbing , kneading , or for extra traction on soft surfaces . Most cats have five claws on their front paws , and four on their rear paws . The fifth front claw ( the dewclaw ) is proximal to the other claws . More proximally is a protrusion which appears to be a sixth " finger " . This special feature of the front paws , on the inside of the wrists , is the carpal pad , also found on the paws of big cats and dogs . It has no function in normal walking , but is thought to be an <unk> device used while jumping . Some breeds of cats are prone to polydactyly ( extra toes and claws ) . These are particularly common along the northeast coast of North America . 
