Claws

Claws are the little pointy things on the end of an animal's feet. They are sharpened extensions of a toe or finger nail and are found on many species of the animal kingdom. Nearly all felines, canines and many reptiles have some form of claw. Birds also have claws, but they are generally referred to as talons.

Some crustaceans also have a form of claw, but these are different from mammalian claws. Crabs, lobsters, scorpions and many species of insect have claws that are called pincers.

In speculative fiction, there are many characters who have claws, either naturally grown or manufactured, as part of their offensive/defensive capabilities. Claws are ideal for cutting and rending soft objects such as flesh, cloth and vegetable matter.