From David Attenborough Fans

This set of 31 claws and talons allowS you to compare their size and appreciate the functional differences connected to the different behaviors in hunting and eating.

The GHO and Barn Owl are in the top row.

Are there any surprises for you in getting to compare them?

Pound for pound, the raptors have some pretty big pokey bits.

  • Apytele@sh.itjust.works
    18·
    2 days ago

    I wish domestic housecat was on here as a scale example most people would have seen in person but I would think the smallest lynx bobcat or the fox is maaaybe comparable if perhaps a bit larger?

    Edit: I had meant to say bobcat, not that it made me much closer. Sounds like the raccoon is much more comparable.

    • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
      5·
      2 days ago

      Skulls Unlimited, fine purveyor of real and replica bones, lists domestic cat claws as average 0.5 in / 1.2 cm and bobcat as average 1 in / 2.5 cm.

      All I could find on bunnies is that they should be trimmed when they get past the edge of the paw fur. They also seem to be more of a wear item due to the digging, so there is probably a wider range of sizes.

      • Apytele@sh.itjust.works
        2·
        2 days ago

        Oof I was way off! See this completely changes what I’m looking at for me! Looks like the racoon is much more similar.

        • anon6789@lemmy.worldOP
          3·
          2 days ago

          From experience, they still hurt well enough, and are much more of a practical concern for most people than many of the other critters in the sample.

          Grumpy land-owls! 🐱

    • A_Union_of_Kobolds@lemmy.world
      2·
      2 days ago

      Coyote looks close to a dog, they’re basically the same size.

      Edit: you’re also more likely to interact with dogs’ claws, as you trim them. I don’t think I’d even try trimming a cat. You also trim rabbit claws, would be nice to see those for comparison too

      • Apytele@sh.itjust.works
        4·
        2 days ago

        I trim my cats claws every few weeks, she gets a treat for every paw she sits still for. I can tell she needs it done again when she can’t knead on me without it feeling prickly. It’s been a minute this time because I think I misplaced the trimmers. For a while I had to restrain her in one of those mesh bags, which was an upgrade from an old towel, but at this point she’s learned there’s food in it for her and she’s very food motivated, so as long as I’m firmly holding each paw and go quick it’s pretty straightforward. Haven’t had to use the sack in years.

        I accidentally traumatized the dog at a young age because I had difficulty visualizing the quick through her darker claws, so we’ve been having a groomer do them for a while to help her understand that it doesn’t usually hurt before I try again. She thrashes and howls every time I try (she’s part husky), so it’s also important to have someone who knows exactly how to snatch her up and get it done quick.