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Because of their adorable traits, it’s easy to overlook a cat’s predatory nature. Even domesticated felines have a dangerous side to them, and you will see it once they have their claws 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 kill you.”

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

#1 So Intensely Cute

Image credits: itfrancel

#2 “I Just Got My Nails Done Do Ya See Them!?”

Image credits: UrbanNotification

#3 Alice Wants Me To Hush

Image credits: ragamuffinandmrgosh

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 expert Samantha Bell tells The 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.

#4 Only A Few Hours Old And Already Armed And Dangerous!

Image credits: Habitual_Emigrant

#5 Annabelle’s Tiny Mitts

Image credits: ottguy42

#6 A Fear-Inducing Rabid Wild Beast: Eris Kattarina, 3yo, 2kg, Loves : Cuddles/Murder

Image credits: leuat

Domestic cats, especially, can take care of themselves. Part of their grooming routine is to bring their claws out for trimming. Experts say it’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.

#7 Aggressive Cookies

Image credits: netphilia

#8 Let Me Show You My Mittens Of Murder

Image credits: Ketchupadri

#9 Look At Her Murder Mittens

Image credits: MuhMarket

Cats also typically have their claws out when kneading on a soft object, such as a blanket. According to PetMD, 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.

#10 Laundry Time Is A Truly Terrifying Experience Every Week

Image credits: eenhagens

#11 I Highly Advise Against Changing The Channel Sir

Image credits: Mixngas

#12 Knives Out!

Image credits: onegoodear

There may come a point when a cat’s scratching habits become 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) advises providing cats with scratching posts of different qualities and surfaces. Cardboard, wood, and upholstery are ideal surfaces.

#13 Atticus Means Business 😹

Image credits: CrimeHag

#14 The Elusive Full Width Mitten

Image credits: lunaisapotato

#15 Wolverine Showing Off His Murder Mittens In The Wild

Image credits: RowRow1990

But is declawing an 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 professor Nancy Welborn told The Spruce Pets.

#16 I Left My Feral Void Alone For Three Hours Today. This Was My Return Greeting

Image credits: Low_Engineering8921

#17 The Eyes Chico, They Never Lie… And The Murder Mittens Too

Image credits: MaryPan007

#18 I May Not Sleep Tonight

Image credits: StridentStamina

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.