Most house cats have a total of 18 claws. This includes five claws on each front paw and four claws on each back paw.
Cats have retractable claws, which means that they can extend and retract their claws at will. When their claws are retracted, cats can walk and run without being hindered by their claws. When their claws are extended, cats can use them for climbing and for catching and killing prey. Cats can also use their claws for grooming and for defending themselves.