Claw vs. Paw — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Claw is a sharp, curved nail on the foot of an animal, while Paw is the soft foot of a mammal, typically with claws or nails.
Difference Between Claw and Paw
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Claw is the pointed, often curved, nail on the digits of many animals, serving various functions including catching prey. On the other hand, a Paw is the entire foot of a mammal, which might include toes and pads, and often, but not always, bears claws.
Birds, for instance, have Claws on their feet, which they use for perching, climbing, or hunting. Comparatively, a dog or cat touches the ground with its Paw, and this paw may have claws that can be retracted or remain out.
Claws are often associated with predatory actions, defense mechanisms, or specific functionalities like digging. However, a Paw generally refers to the part of the mammal used for walking, and it serves as a sensory organ, detecting vibrations or temperature changes through the ground.
In terms of morphology, a Claw is primarily made up of keratin and grows from the end of each toe. A Paw, in contrast, comprises the whole structure of the foot, including bones, pads, flesh, and often the aforementioned claws.
Some animals like certain species of reptiles and birds exclusively have Claws and lack the soft padded Paw structure that mammals like cats, dogs, or bears have.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
A sharp, curved nail on an animal's digit.
The soft foot of a mammal, often with claws or nails.
Biological Composition
Made of keratin and grows from the end of the toe.
Includes bones, pads, flesh, and sometimes claws.
Functionality
Used for hunting, climbing, defense, or digging.
Used for walking and serves as a sensory organ.
Found In
Birds, reptiles, and some mammals.
Primarily mammals.
Symbolism
Often symbolizes aggression or danger.
Symbolizes touch, movement, or gentleness.
Compare with Definitions
Claw
A curved pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot in birds, lizards, and some mammals.
Paw
The soft foot of a mammal, typically with claws or nails.
The puppy's paw was soft and warm.
Claw
A sharp curved nail on the foot of an animal.
The lion's claw can do significant damage.
Paw
A paw is the soft foot-like part of a mammal, generally a quadruped, that has claws.
Claw
A mechanical device resembling an animal's claw, used for grabbing or lifting.
The arcade game had a claw mechanism to grab toys.
Paw
A hand, especially one that is large, rough, or clumsy.
He slapped me on the back with his big paw.
Claw
To scratch, tear, or dig with sharp nails.
The cat would claw at the furniture when agitated.
Paw
The foot of an animal that has claws or nails.
The tiger's paw left imprints in the mud.
Claw
A claw is a curved, pointed appendage found at the end of a toe or finger in most amniotes (mammals, reptiles, birds). Some invertebrates such as beetles and spiders have somewhat similar fine, hooked structures at the end of the leg or tarsus for gripping a surface as they walk.
Paw
To scrape at something with one's foot.
The horse began to paw at the ground impatiently.
Claw
Scratch or tear something with the claws or the fingernails
The kitten was clawing at Lowell's trouser leg
Her hands clawed his shoulders
Paw
The foot of an animal, especially a quadruped, that has claws or nails.
Claw
(of a sailing ship) beat to windward
The ability to claw off a lee shore
Paw
(Informal) A human hand, especially a large clumsy one
"Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water" (John Steinbeck).
Claw
A sharp, curved, horny structure at the end of a toe of a vertebrate animal.
Paw
To feel or strike with the paw or paws.
Claw
A chela or similar pincerlike structure on the end of a limb of a crustacean or arachnid.
Paw
To strike or scrape with a beating motion
The bull pawed the ground before charging.
Claw
One of one or more small curved structures at the tip of an appendage of an invertebrate, especially an insect or other arthropod.
Paw
To touch or handle clumsily or roughly.
Claw
A limb terminating in such a structure.
Paw
To feel or touch (another) in an annoying or unwanted way.
Claw
Something, such as the cleft end of a hammerhead, that resembles a claw.
Paw
To scrape the ground with the forefeet
The horse pawed restlessly.
Claw
(Botany) A narrowed, stalklike basal part of a petal, sepal, or bract.
Paw
To handle someone or something clumsily, rudely, or with too much familiarity
Don't paw at everything you see.
Claw
To scratch, dig, tear, or pull with the claws or fingernails.
Paw
The soft foot of a mammal or other animal, generally a quadruped, that has claws or nails; comparable to a human hand or foot.
Claw
A curved, pointed horny nail on each digit of the foot of a mammal, reptile, or bird.
Paw
(humorous) A hand.
Get your grubby paws off my things!
Claw
A foot equipped with such.
Paw
Father; pa.
Claw
The pincer (chela) of a crustacean or other arthropod.
Paw
(of an animal) To go through something (such as a garbage can) with paws.
Claw
A mechanical device resembling a claw, used for gripping or lifting.
Paw
(of an animal) To gently push on something with a paw.
Claw
(colloquial) A human fingernail, particularly one extending well beyond the fingertip.
Paw
(of an animal) To draw the forefoot along the ground; to beat or scrape with the forefoot.
Claw
(botany) A slender appendage or process, formed like a claw, such as the base of petals of the pink.
Paw
(by extension) To touch someone in a sexual way.
Claw
(juggling) The act of catching a ball overhand.
Paw
(by extension) To clumsily dig through something.
Claw
To scratch or to tear at.
Paw
To flatter.
Claw
To use the claws to seize, to grip.
Paw
The foot of a quadruped having claws, as the lion, dog, cat, etc.
Claw
To use the claws to climb.
Paw
The hand.
Claw
(juggling) To perform a claw catch.
Paw
To draw the forefoot along the ground; to beat or scrape with the forefoot.
Claw
To move with one's fingertips.
Paw
To pass the paw over; to stroke or handle with the paws; hence, to handle fondly or rudely.
Claw
To relieve an uneasy feeling, such as an itch, by scratching (someone or something); hence (figuratively), to flatter or humour (someone); to court, to fawn on.
Paw
To scrape or beat with the forefoot.
His hot courser pawed the Hungarian plane.
Claw
To rail at, revile, or scold (someone or something).
Paw
A clawed foot of an animal especially a quadruped
Claw
To do (something) quickly.
Paw
The (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb;
He had the hands of a surgeon
He extended his mitt
Claw
A sharp, hooked nail, as of a beast or bird.
Paw
Scrape with the paws;
The bear pawed the door
Claw
The whole foot of an animal armed with hooked nails; the pinchers of a lobster, crab, etc.
Paw
Touch clumsily;
The man tried to paw her
Claw
Anything resembling the claw of an animal, as the curved and forked end of a hammer for drawing nails.
Claw
A slender appendage or process, formed like a claw, as the base of petals of the pink.
Claw
To pull, tear, or scratch with, or as with, claws or nails.
Claw
To relieve from some uneasy sensation, as by scratching; to tickle; hence, to flatter; to court.
Rich men they claw, soothe up, and flatter; the poor they contemn and despise.
Claw
To rail at; to scold.
In the aforesaid preamble, the king fairly claweth the great monasteries, wherein, saith he, religion, thanks be to God, is right well kept and observed; though he claweth them soon after in another acceptation.
Claw
To scrape, scratch, or dig with a claw, or with the hand as a claw.
Claw
Sharp curved horny process on the toe of a bird or some mammals or reptiles
Claw
A mechanical device that is curved or bent to suspend or hold or pull something
Claw
A structure like a pincer on the limb of a crustacean or other arthropods
Claw
A bird's foot that has claws
Claw
Move as if by clawing, seizing, or digging;
They clawed their way to the top of the mountain
Claw
Clutch as if in panic;
She clawed the doorknob
Claw
Scratch, scrape, pull, or dig with claws or nails
Claw
Attack as if with claws;
The politician clawed his rival
Claw
A slender appendage on insects, crustaceans, etc.
The crab used its claw to pinch the bait.
Claw
The curved pointed horny plate on the end of a toe in birds.
The eagle's claw is adapted for seizing prey.
Common Curiosities
Do all animals with Paws have claws?
While many animals with Paws have claws or nails, not all do.
Is a human hand considered a Paw?
Typically, no. But in informal or playful contexts, it might be referred to as such.
Why might an animal Claw at something?
Animals might Claw for various reasons: defense, hunting, playing, or establishing territory.
Are all Claws sharp?
Not all, but many Claws are sharp, aiding in functions like hunting or climbing.
Is a cat's soft footpad part of its Paw?
Yes, the soft footpad is a component of a cat's Paw.
Are a dog's toenails considered Claws?
While often referred to as nails, they can technically be called Claws.
Can reptiles have Claws?
Yes, many reptiles have Claws on their digits.
Can Paw be used as a verb?
Yes, Paw can mean to touch or handle something clumsily.
Can Claw be used as a verb?
Yes, Claw can mean to scratch or tear at something with sharp nails.
Do birds have Paws?
No, birds have feet with Claws but not the soft, padded Paws seen in mammals.
Are all Claws retractable?
No, only certain animals, like domestic cats, have retractable Claws.
Are hooves considered Claws?
No, hooves are different structures and are not classified as Claws.
What animals have both Paws and Claws?
Animals like cats, dogs, and bears have both Paws and Claws.
Which is more delicate: a kitten's Claw or Paw?
A kitten's Paw is generally softer and more delicate, while its Claw, even if tiny, is sharper.
What's the main function of a mammal's Paw?
A mammal's Paw primarily aids in walking and serves as a sensory organ.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
