How do cats scratch themselves without cutting themselves?

Question

Ok, here's a question that will get hundred of hits, and responses, in the middle of this lovely night. I just looked at my cat. Fascinating as ever, she gave me an evil glare and then proceeded to scratch her right cheek (face, not butt) with her right rear foot. I had an epiphany. I thought, WHOA! Truly, how does she DO that? I mean, her claws are OUT, I'm assuming. Why isn't she slicing and dicing her skin in the process?

Ok, fellow insomniacs. Your thoughts?

And you thought oil, peace, and health care were important.....

Answer 1

What amazes me is how they never hurt each other.  I have six, five boys, and somehow even with all the rough playing they never get hurt.

But yeah, they know how much pressure to apply.  Like if we have an itch we usually don't rip our skin off either.  Although if there is something seriously wrong they can certainly hurt themselves.  I found a stray with ear mites so bad that he scratched up his ear horribly.  Thank goodness for Revolution.  He has no willingness to be a pet but at least I could put that on him and feed him.  So his ears have been fine for awhile.  

Answer 2

Here's one of your hits. The back claws are well-nigh blunt anyway, they don't strop them like they do the front ones, but she knows how hard to scratch, just like we do, on the basis of "Ouch, that hurt!"

Mind you if they have f'rinstance a flea allergy they will scratch frantically until it bleeds.

They also know exactly how rough to be when playing, which is pretty clever, I think . . .

Answer 3

She knows the amount of pressure to apply just like you do when you scratch.

..sarcastic much?  ..I wasn't trying to be smart with you..