retracted claw

When a cat walks, its claws retract into a cutaneous fold (sheath) and it moves on its pads.

distal phalanx

Bone of the lower terminal end of the toe bearing the claw.

metacarpus

Portion of the forelimb formed of several long bones; it connects the carpus to the first phalange of the toe.

proximal phalanx

Bone of the upper terminal end of the toe connected to the metacarpus.

tendon

Fibrous tissue connecting the muscle to the bone; relaxing the tendon causes the claw to retract.

middle phalanx

Bone of the central part of the toe between the proximal and distal phalanges.

claw

Curved pointy retractable corneous structure allowing the cat to climb, catch its prey and defend itself.