Why Maine Coon Claws Are Unique

Maine Coons are famous for their impressive size, but it’s not just their long, bushy tails and majestic ruffs that set them apart; their claws are equally remarkable.

These large, powerful felines are equipped with claws that are longer, stronger, and sharper than those of most domestic cats, and are designed for:

• Climbing
• Hunting
• Defending themselves in the wild

Whether you’re learning how to trim your cat’s claws, identify signs of injury, or prevent accidental scratches, knowing the anatomy and purpose of these claws will make you a more confident and responsible cat parent.

Maine Coon Claw Summary

Maine Coon claws are large, curved, and razor-sharp, typically measuring about 0.5-0.75 inches (1.3-1.9 cm) in length when fully extended.

This is longer than most domestic cat breeds.

They are made primarily of keratin, the same tough protein found in human nails, but denser and harder to withstand climbing, hunting, and gripping.

Each claw is anchored to the toe bone, covered by a protective sheath when retracted, and connected to blood vessels and nerves in the sensitive quick at the base.

This combination of strength, length, and retractability makes Maine Coon claws both powerful tools and delicate structures that require careful maintenance.

Anatomy Of A Maine Coon Claw

The annotated image highlights key parts of the claw anatomy:

• Unguis (Outer Keratin Layer): The rigid, hard exterior that provides protection and supports retractability.
• Subunguis (Inner Softer Layer): Lies beneath the unguis, adding structure and facilitating growth.
• Quick: The living flesh inside the claw that includes nerves and blood vessels – extremely sensitive and should never be trimmed.
• Distal Phalanx: The bone inside the claw that anchors and supports it; claw health depends on its integrity.
• Retractor Tendon: The elastic structure that allows the claw to retract and emerge on demand.

These components work together in harmony to produce the retractable, curved claws that make Maine Coons such agile climbers and hunters.

Claw Numbers And Polydactyly

Maine Coons typically have five claws on each front paw (including the dewclaw) and four on each hind paw, totaling 18 claws.

Rear claws are generally broader and used for propulsion, while front claws are sharper for climbing and grabbing.

Some Maine Coons exhibit polydactyly, a genetic trait that results in extra toes and claws, often giving them mitten-like or snowshoe-like paws. This can enhance climbing and gripping abilities.

Claw Maintenance Tips

1. Trim cautiously: Only the white tip should be trimmed; avoid the quick. Use quality nail trimmers, and always have styptic powder on hand to ease any minor bleeds.
2. Encourage shedding of old sheaths: Scratching helps cats shed the outer claw layer naturally, keeping their claws sleek and sharp.
3. Provide robust scratching surfaces: Maine Coons’ strong claws and big paws need durable posts, ideally made of sisal or thick wood.
4. Check frequently: Weekly inspection helps you catch curled-back or ingrown claws before they become painful.
5. Be especially careful with polydactyl paws: More claws mean extra surfaces to monitor during trimming or grooming.

How To Trim A Maine Coon’s Claws

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for trimming a Maine Coon’s claws safely and effectively, especially for beginners:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

• Cat nail clippers (scissor-style or guillotine-style, sharp and clean).
• Styptic powder or cornstarch (to stop bleeding if you accidentally nick the quick).
• Towel (for wrapping your cat if needed).
• Good lighting (to see the quick in the nail).
• Treats (for positive reinforcement).

Step 2: Get Your Maine Coon Comfortable

• Choose a quiet, calm environment away from distractions.
• Sit your cat on your lap, or have them rest on a table.
• Spend a few minutes petting them so they are relaxed.
• If your Maine Coon is nervous, wrap them gently in a towel (“kitty burrito”), leaving only one paw exposed.

Step 3: Gently Hold The Paw

• Take one paw in your hand.
• Press gently on the pad to extend the claw.
• Speak softly and reassuringly – calm tones help prevent stress.

Step 4: Identify The Quick

• The quick is the pink area inside the nail containing blood vessels and nerves.
• On white or light claws, the quick is easy to see.
• On dark claws, trim very small amounts at a time to avoid cutting into the quick.

Step 5: Trim The Claw

• Position the clipper so you cut from top to bottom, not side to side.
• Trim just the sharp, hooked tip about 1-2 mm away from the quick.
• Avoid cutting too close; if unsure, trim less rather than more.

Step 6: Reward Your Cat

• Immediately give a treat and praise them.
• This helps your Maine Coon associate nail trims with something positive.

Step 7: Repeat For Each Claw

• Take breaks if your cat becomes restless.
• Some Maine Coons will only tolerate a few claws at a time, and that’s okay; you can finish later!
• Remember to check and trim front and back claws, as the back claws can also become sharp.

Step 8: Aftercare

• Watch your cat walk to ensure no discomfort.
• If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop bleeding.
• Continue with regular trims every 2-4 weeks to keep claws healthy and prevent overgrowth.

Tip for beginners: Practice pressing and holding your Maine Coon’s paws without trimming at first, so they get used to the sensation.

Declawing A Maine Coon

Declawing, also known as onychectomy, is a surgical procedure where a cat’s claws are permanently removed by amputating the last bone of each toe.

It is not simply “removing the nail,” but rather cutting off part of the cat’s toe, equivalent to amputating a human finger at the last joint.

This procedure is considered barbaric because:

1. Severe pain and trauma: Declawing is an invasive surgery that causes intense post-operative pain and long-term nerve damage in many cats.
2. Permanent disability: Without their claws, cats lose one of their primary tools for climbing, defending themselves, and balancing.
3. Behavioral issues: Many declawed cats develop litter box avoidance (due to pain when scratching in litter) and increased biting, as they no longer have claws to defend themselves.
4. Long-term complications: Cats often suffer from arthritis, joint stiffness, and chronic pain due to altered gait and posture from the surgery.
5. Loss of instincts: Scratching is not just about sharpening claws – it is a vital feline behavior for marking territory, stretching muscles, and emotional well-being.

Declawing has been banned in many countries, including the UK, Australia, and much of Europe, because it is unnecessary and inhumane.

Instead of mutilating a cat, owners can trim claws regularly, provide scratching posts, and train appropriate scratching habits.