The tiger, an apex predator, relies on a specialized physical toolkit for survival, and its claws are a major component. As a member of the Felidae family, this big cat possesses a powerful claw system that aids in both stealth and subduing large prey. A tiger possesses 18 claws in total. This count is derived from the specific anatomical structure of the forepaws and hind paws.
The Specific Count and Placement
The total number of claws is divided unevenly between the front and back paws, providing distinct functionality for each limb set. Each of the tiger’s forepaws features five claws. Each hind paw is equipped with four claws, bringing the total count to 18 across all four limbs.
The fifth digit on the forepaws is known as the dewclaw, which is positioned higher up on the paw and does not make contact with the ground during normal walking. Anatomically, this structure is analogous to the human thumb. The dewclaw is fully functional and is primarily engaged when the tiger is actively grasping or climbing, acting like a specialized hook for extra grip. The four main claws on each paw are the primary contact points for locomotion and traction during a hunt.
The Retractable Nature of Tiger Claws
A defining feature of most felids, including the tiger, is the ability to retract their claws into a protective skin sheath when not in use. This retraction is a passive action, meaning it does not require continuous muscle effort to keep the claws hidden. The mechanism relies on two strong dorsal elastic ligaments that constantly pull the distal phalanx—the bone the claw is attached to—up and back.
Keeping the claws sheathed prevents them from becoming dull or worn down by scraping against the ground during daily movement. When the tiger needs to use its claws, it actively contracts the flexor muscles in its paw. This muscle action overcomes the pull of the elastic ligaments, causing the claw to rotate forward and extend out of its protective pocket. This system ensures the claws remain sharp, ready for immediate deployment during hunting or defense.
Practical Applications of the Claws
The sharp claws are indispensable tools that tigers utilize for behaviors related to survival. The primary application is hunting, where the powerful forepaws and extended claws are used to capture and hold struggling prey. The strong, hooked curvature of the claws allows the tiger to maintain a superior grip on large animals, preventing escape while the animal delivers a killing bite. The claw-equipped forelimbs are the primary organ of prehension used during the capture of prey.
Tigers also use their claws for arboreal movement, particularly when they are younger or need leverage. The claws act like natural crampons, digging into the bark to provide secure anchoring and assistance in climbing. A third use is territorial marking, where the tiger rakes its claws down tree trunks, creating visible scratch marks known as “scrapes.” These scrapes are visual indicators of the tiger’s presence and are often combined with scent marking from glands in the paws, serving as a warning to other tigers.