>> Hee. Kitty Bruce has a bit of finesse with his claws. <<

I tend to imagine Bruce as having a great deal of dexterity, usually gentle, but with an edge if pushed just right.

>> I've met many a cat who would reward irritation with a gentle prickle, only to follow up with pain if the annoyance didn't go away. <<

Same here. That's exactly what I was aiming for.