Physical Characteristics
Weapons
The front paw of the sabre-tooth
cat consisted of five digits, each of which could move independently. The back
paw consisted of four digits. Like most carnivores, the sabre-tooth
came equiped with sharp claws. The claws were retractable and were
controlled by a muscle on the phalanx, where the claw was attached
(www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/larson/smilodon.html).