how much if any of the claw is exposed and should they be painted or left natural
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Except in one that is attacking, and has its paw in contact with the prey, the claws are not visible. In fact I remove them from the hide before I mount. When a cat attacks. it extends its claws only an instant before it actually uses them. so a cat laying, or walking will have no claw exposed. leaving the claws in a mount, can be dangerous, I did so years ago. the customer was placing the mount into his van, and bumped the seat knocking the cat out of his hand, as he grabbed for it one of the claws caught his arm and ripped a 4 inch gash in his forearm, that looked as it would require stitches.
If you leave them in. leave them natural. And polish them just a bit. they will stand out. and look good for years.