biting his claws?

[2_sox_squared]

i have a short haired domestic cat that will be one year old next month. he has recently started laying down and pulling on his back claws with his teeth. i thought they were hurt, but they look normal, and he is inconsistant with which claw he pulls on. i clipped his claws a few days ago beucase i thought that is what he wanted, but i saw him doing it again today. should i take him to the vet? why is he doing this? thanks!

[Traci]

Are you sure this isn't part of his grooming ritual? Most cats will "chew at" their nails and fur between the pads, not that they are actually chewing, but pulling out dirt, debris, etc. If this occurs during his grooming times, you can pretty much assume he is simply cleaning his nails and pads.

[kate & kobi]

Both of my cats chew the claws on their back paws. I thought this was normal behavior...? I only have to clip their front claws, because they take care of the back ones.