50 Adorably Frightening Pics Of Cats Showing That Their Owners Are Alive Because Of Their Mercy

Because of their adorable traits, it’s easy to overlook acat’spredatory nature. Even domesticated felines have a dangerous side to them, and you will see it once they have theirclaws engaged.This subreddit calls them “Murder Mittens,” an online community of 231,000 members that shares images of cats with their“knives” out. As the profile succinctly describes, it’s a sub “for when your cats want to end you.”We’ve selected some of the mosteye-catching photosfrom the group, which could make you go “aww” while simultaneously making you slightly terrified.This post may includeaffiliate links.RELATED:A cat engaging its claws isn’t necessarily a sign of aggression or going into attack mode. Sometimes, it’s a way for them to stretch. As cat enrichment expertSamantha BelltellsThe Spruce Pets, cats may bring out the “murder mittens” as a stretching exercise and to adapt to their surroundings.“Scratching deposits pheromones on objects to show ownership. This gives them confidence and helps them cope in their environment,” Bell explained.Domestic cats, especially, can take care of themselves. Part of their grooming routine is to bring their claws out for trimming.Experts sayit’s a remnant of a cat’s wild nature. Keeping their claws trimmed helps them be better hunters.Like a carving knife, where a dull blade does more harm than good, a cat’s unsharpened claw may snag onto something and cause injury.Cats also typically have their claws out when kneading on a soft object, such as a blanket. According toPetMD, this is a cat’s way of creating a relaxing environment. Kneading reminds cats of nursing and helps them prepare for sleep.Since cats are territorial, kneading is also a way for them to claim the blanket as their own. They may also do it to their owners for the same reason.There may come a point when acat’s scratching habitsbecome destructive. This typically happens during a threat response or when the cat marks a territory. However, their claws can damage furniture and carpets.As a preventive measure, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)advisesproviding cats with scratching posts of different qualities and surfaces. Cardboard, wood, and upholstery are ideal surfaces.But isdeclawingan option if the destructive scratching gets out of hand? There are pros and cons, and the latter outweighs the former. It also prevents their natural behaviors and puts them at risk for complications like chronic pain.“This can cause pain while walking, grooming, or jumping into the litter box,” veterinarian and Louisiana State University professorNancy Welborntold The Spruce Pets.Like with humans, positive reinforcement is another way to prevent a pet cat’s scratching from getting out of hand. Welborn suggests verbal praise and providing treats when they scratch the right surfaces.“Negative reinforcement—yelling or spraying your cat with water—is never recommended,” she says.See Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaModal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Because of their adorable traits, it’s easy to overlook acat’spredatory nature. Even domesticated felines have a dangerous side to them, and you will see it once they have theirclaws engaged.

This subreddit calls them “Murder Mittens,” an online community of 231,000 members that shares images of cats with their“knives” out. As the profile succinctly describes, it’s a sub “for when your cats want to end you.”

We’ve selected some of the mosteye-catching photosfrom the group, which could make you go “aww” while simultaneously making you slightly terrified.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

RELATED:A cat engaging its claws isn’t necessarily a sign of aggression or going into attack mode. Sometimes, it’s a way for them to stretch. As cat enrichment expertSamantha BelltellsThe Spruce Pets, cats may bring out the “murder mittens” as a stretching exercise and to adapt to their surroundings.“Scratching deposits pheromones on objects to show ownership. This gives them confidence and helps them cope in their environment,” Bell explained.Domestic cats, especially, can take care of themselves. Part of their grooming routine is to bring their claws out for trimming.Experts sayit’s a remnant of a cat’s wild nature. Keeping their claws trimmed helps them be better hunters.Like a carving knife, where a dull blade does more harm than good, a cat’s unsharpened claw may snag onto something and cause injury.Cats also typically have their claws out when kneading on a soft object, such as a blanket. According toPetMD, this is a cat’s way of creating a relaxing environment. Kneading reminds cats of nursing and helps them prepare for sleep.Since cats are territorial, kneading is also a way for them to claim the blanket as their own. They may also do it to their owners for the same reason.There may come a point when acat’s scratching habitsbecome destructive. This typically happens during a threat response or when the cat marks a territory. However, their claws can damage furniture and carpets.As a preventive measure, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)advisesproviding cats with scratching posts of different qualities and surfaces. Cardboard, wood, and upholstery are ideal surfaces.But isdeclawingan option if the destructive scratching gets out of hand? There are pros and cons, and the latter outweighs the former. It also prevents their natural behaviors and puts them at risk for complications like chronic pain.“This can cause pain while walking, grooming, or jumping into the litter box,” veterinarian and Louisiana State University professorNancy Welborntold The Spruce Pets.Like with humans, positive reinforcement is another way to prevent a pet cat’s scratching from getting out of hand. Welborn suggests verbal praise and providing treats when they scratch the right surfaces.“Negative reinforcement—yelling or spraying your cat with water—is never recommended,” she says.See Also on Bored PandaContinue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign InSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored PandaSee Also on Bored Panda

Close-up of a black cat examining its sharp claws in a dimly lit room.

Tiny black kitten with sharp claws, resting adorably in hands.

Black cat with sharp claws peeking over a surface, showcasing its adorably scary look.

A cat engaging its claws isn’t necessarily a sign of aggression or going into attack mode. Sometimes, it’s a way for them to stretch. As cat enrichment expertSamantha BelltellsThe Spruce Pets, cats may bring out the “murder mittens” as a stretching exercise and to adapt to their surroundings.“Scratching deposits pheromones on objects to show ownership. This gives them confidence and helps them cope in their environment,” Bell explained.

“Scratching deposits pheromones on objects to show ownership. This gives them confidence and helps them cope in their environment,” Bell explained.

Tiny black kitten with prominent sharp claws, nestled in human hands.

Cat lying on a bed with sharp claws extended, bathed in sunlight, looking both adorable and intimidating.

A tiny black kitten with sharp claws being held, set against a background of green leaves.

Domestic cats, especially, can take care of themselves. Part of their grooming routine is to bring their claws out for trimming.Experts sayit’s a remnant of a cat’s wild nature. Keeping their claws trimmed helps them be better hunters.Like a carving knife, where a dull blade does more harm than good, a cat’s unsharpened claw may snag onto something and cause injury.

Like a carving knife, where a dull blade does more harm than good, a cat’s unsharpened claw may snag onto something and cause injury.

Black cat playfully clutching a hand, claws extended.

Cat showing sharp claw while peeking from under a blanket, illustrating an adorable yet scary feline moment.

Cat with sharp claws playfully scratching finger through plastic container.

Cats also typically have their claws out when kneading on a soft object, such as a blanket. According toPetMD, this is a cat’s way of creating a relaxing environment. Kneading reminds cats of nursing and helps them prepare for sleep.Since cats are territorial, kneading is also a way for them to claim the blanket as their own. They may also do it to their owners for the same reason.

Since cats are territorial, kneading is also a way for them to claim the blanket as their own. They may also do it to their owners for the same reason.

Two kittens cuddling in a bed, showcasing their adorable faces and sharp claws.

Cat with sharp claws playfully rests its paw on a woman’s face, blending adorable and scary elements.

Cat with sharp claws visible, looking down through a glass table.

There may come a point when acat’s scratching habitsbecome destructive. This typically happens during a threat response or when the cat marks a territory. However, their claws can damage furniture and carpets.As a preventive measure, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)advisesproviding cats with scratching posts of different qualities and surfaces. Cardboard, wood, and upholstery are ideal surfaces.

As a preventive measure, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)advisesproviding cats with scratching posts of different qualities and surfaces. Cardboard, wood, and upholstery are ideal surfaces.

Cat with sharp claws resting on a person’s lap, gazing intently.

A cat with sharp claws extended on a gray couch, looking adorable yet slightly scary.

Black cat with sharp claws resting on a person’s head, creating an adorable yet scary scene.

But isdeclawingan option if the destructive scratching gets out of hand? There are pros and cons, and the latter outweighs the former. It also prevents their natural behaviors and puts them at risk for complications like chronic pain.“This can cause pain while walking, grooming, or jumping into the litter box,” veterinarian and Louisiana State University professorNancy Welborntold The Spruce Pets.

“This can cause pain while walking, grooming, or jumping into the litter box,” veterinarian and Louisiana State University professorNancy Welborntold The Spruce Pets.

Black cat with sharp claws perched on a bookshelf, displaying an adorable yet slightly intimidating pose.

Cat’s paw with sharp claws playfully extending from a box on the carpet.

Black kitten playfully showing sharp claws while resting on a table.

Like with humans, positive reinforcement is another way to prevent a pet cat’s scratching from getting out of hand. Welborn suggests verbal praise and providing treats when they scratch the right surfaces.“Negative reinforcement—yelling or spraying your cat with water—is never recommended,” she says.

“Negative reinforcement—yelling or spraying your cat with water—is never recommended,” she says.

Cat hiding under a blanket, peeking out with sharp claws visible, creating an adorable yet scary vibe.

Cat with large paws standing on wooden floor, captioned “BIG STOMPA”, showcasing its sharp claws.

A black cat with sharp claws gently grips a person’s finger while lying under a blanket.

Black cat perched on a wooden fence, displaying its sharp claws in the sunlight.

A woman smiling with a black cat on her shoulder, showing its sharp claws in an adorable pose.

Cat with sharp claws, gently holding a person’s finger while resting.

Cute kitten with sharp claws playing with a colorful toy, displaying agility and curiosity.

Black cat with sharp claws resting on furniture, showcasing its adorable and scary side.

Cat’s claws poking through black fabric, displaying their sharpness and mischievous nature.

Black kitten with sharp claws peeking from behind a spiderweb-patterned blanket.

Black cat with sharp claws peeking from under a bed, eyes wide open, creating an adorable yet scary scene.

Fluffy gray cat on sidewalk with sharp claws visible, looking adorable and slightly intimidating.

Cat with sharp claws gripping a branch, focused and alert in the forest environment.

Cat with sharp claws gently gripping a person’s wrist, showing a mix of adorableness and scariness.

Cat with sharp claws perched on a soft surface, showcasing the cute yet scary aspect of feline features.

Cat’s sharp claws on a pillow, showcasing an adorable yet scary contrast.

A black cat stretching forward with sharp claws extended on a soft surface.

A cat sitting on a lap extends a paw with sharp claws, appearing both adorable and slightly intimidating.

Black kitten with sharp claws, playfully gripping a human hand on a blue fabric background.

Cat displaying its sharp claws on a chair, creating an adorable and scary moment.

Tabby cat showing sharp claws while basking in sunlight, looking both adorable and scary.

Cat with glowing eyes and sharp claws, looking both adorable and scary while peeking from under furniture.

Black cat showing sharp claws on a cozy patterned blanket near a laptop.

Black cat with sharp claws extended, lying on a gray blanket, looking both adorable and a bit scary.

Cat playfully swiping from a cardboard box, showing off its sharp claws.

Black cat with sharp claws hugged by a person wearing a maroon hoodie, displaying both adorable and scary traits.

Black cat with sharp claws gripping a surface, gazing intently with bright green eyes.

Tiny gray kitten with sharp claws held gently in human hands, looking adorable yet fierce.

Black kitten playfully grabbing a finger with its sharp claws, surrounded by cardboard on the floor.