Be careful of a cat's paw (9)
I believe the answer is:
pussyfoot
'be careful' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'cat's paw' is the wordplay.
'cat' becomes 'pussy' (pussy can mean a cat).
'paw' becomes 'foot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'pussy'+'foot'='PUSSYFOOT'
'of a' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for pussyfoot that I've seen before include "Go stealthily or cautiously" , "one may show claws" , "Tread warily" , "sit on the fence" , "Act overcautiously" .)