Why don't cats let us touch their claws?

There are several main reasons why cats don't let us touch their claws:

Claws are hunting weapons and need to be protected.

Cat claws are sharp and serve as hunting weapons. When their weapons are touched, they feel threatened, so they don't let others touch them to protect themselves better.

Bad memories of nail clipping bleeding

If a cat has a bad memory of nail clipping bleeding in the past, it won't let its owner touch it again. Because every time you touch its claws, the cat might think you're going to clip its nails again, so it's very scared.

Claws are sensitive

The pads on a cat's claws have many nerves and are a very sensitive area. They can feel ground vibrations and predict if predators or prey are approaching. So even if you gently hold the cat's pads, it will feel uncomfortable or even painful.

Injured and painful

When a cat's claws are injured, its defensive instincts kick in, and it won't let anyone touch them. If the cat usually lets you touch its claws but suddenly doesn't anymore, it might be because its claws are injured and painful. The owner needs to check the cat's claws and see if other parts are injured.

Afraid of scent disruption

Cats are very scent-oriented animals, so they often rub against things to leave their scent, marking their territory and belongings. Cats have a unique scent on their claws, and they're afraid people will disrupt it. So usually, they don't let anyone touch them randomly. Even if the cat allows its owner to touch it sometimes, it will try to eliminate unfamiliar scents by licking its fur.

Not fully trusting you

For cats, their claws are an essential body part they like to protect. If you're not someone the cat trusts, it won't let you touch its claws. However, cats with a gentle personality and close relationships with their owners can accept being touched on their claws. If your cat allows you to touch its claws, it means it trusts you deeply. If it doesn't let you touch them, it might not fully trust you yet. In this case, the owner needs to spend more time playing with the cat to gain its trust.