Extremely Sharp Claws

Question
Hello Marcia,

I am not an occultist. I don't want you to think that I have other motives other than researching a specific breed of feline.  In 1982, I came in contact with three cats, a mother and two kittens. The owner told me that they were "Witches Cats." They were supposed to have the sharpest claws for ANY domestic breed of cat.  I witnessed the kittens chase string across the back of a Berber sofa as easily as they could chase string on a horizontal floor! All three cats had short, solid black hair with a blue tint.

The mother's head seemed to be longer than most cats. I mean the distance between the eyes and the ears appeared to be slightly "stretched."  She was bulkier than a Siames or Bombay. Her ears were of average length. Her claws were solid black. The mother seemed to be particularly elusive. Initially I could only catch a glimpse of her as she moved out of sight. I managed to catch her stalking me throughout the evening. Her eyes were cadmium yellow. The kittens were a bit more tawny. They seemed to be shy, but playful, and had the same shaped head.

Toward the end of our visit, I noticed that the mother was sitting on the table next to the sofa.  Just looking at me. She had placed her right paw on the top of my right hand. As I went to pick up the cup next to her, she ever-so-slightly extended her claws. I don't think she wanted to injure me, and it wasn't contented kneading gesture. It was more like a gesture of control. The extended claws were response to any movement of my hand. I understand that this may seem a bit paranoid, given that her owner called these felines "Witches Cats" I have yet to encountered any other cats like this before or since. It may be that they were simply a mixed breed, except for the color and sharpness of the claws.

Do you have any suggestions on this breed? Which breed of domestic cat has the sharpest claws? If you have time, I would greatly appreciate your expertise on this issue.

Best regards,
      熊
Brent "Bear" Souheaver

(479) 530-2273
374 East Mimosa Lane
Fayetteville, AR 72703

Answer
Dear Brent

Thank you for your email. To be honest without a picture to consider I don't think I could even try to guess as to whether this was a pedigree or a mixed breed.  

In my experience all cats claws are sharp if never clipped so I doubt that would be an indication.

Good luck with your book.

Regards

Marcia