DEATH GRIP
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Poor Richard's Almanac, Benjamin Franklin |
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For cats, claws are tools of the trade. Claws stay withdrawn or retracted to keep them safe and sharp. In their protective sheaths, they make no noise, making the feline a stealthy and silent hunter. But when needed, claws become spring-loaded knives that lock into position. They aid in climbing, capture prey during the hunt, and can inflict heavy damage in battle. Ouch! Like a human, a cat has the ability to rotate its limbs when grasping objects. With its claws extended, or protracted, the cat is able to hold its prey with a powerful grip. The fixed claws of dogs cannot grip. Dogs must use their jaws to hold objects.
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| Note how a cat's claw protracts and retracts as the controlling muscle tenses and relaxes. |
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