What does the cryptic crossword clue "7 held up claw of cat perhaps (9)" mean?

The definition is "cat perhaps". The wordplay uses a reversal. MAMMA (synonym="‘7’ MATRIARCH") + LIAN (synonym="LIAN") = MAMMALIAN; definition: "cat perhaps" The answer is MAMMALIAN.

7 held up claw of cat perhaps (9)

Guardian Cryptic #28998 | 15 Down | 2023-02-20 flower

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