Here's a breakdown:
* Natural Wear and Tear: Cats naturally wear down their claws by scratching on surfaces like scratching posts, furniture, or trees. This helps keep their claws trimmed and prevents them from getting too long.
* Shedding: The outer layer of the claw is made of keratin, similar to human fingernails. This layer can peel off, much like a human's nail can break.
* Sheath: Inside the outer layer, a new claw grows, pushing the old layer out. Eventually, the old layer completely sheds.
However, if a cat doesn't have enough opportunity to scratch and wear down their claws, they can grow quite long. In extreme cases, they can become ingrown, curled, or even prevent the cat from walking properly.
Therefore, regular nail trimming is important to keep your cat's claws healthy and prevent potential issues.