This action is usually seen when the paws are groomed and may intersperse lick-washing. Two actions may be seen; the teeth may grasp the nail near its base and by pulling the head backwards while holding onto the nail between the teeth, the sheath and/or dirt may be removed. This can occur once or repeatedly in one grooming bout. Alternatively the teeth may make nibbling actions on the nail with the head kept stationary.

This photograph clearly illustrates the biting action which the cat is directing at the extended nails

In the following video you can see how bouts of licking intersperse the biting of the nails during grooming of the paw.