Polydactyl cats: what makes them special?

If you are interested in adopting a polydactyl cat, you probably already know how intriguing creatures they are.

But what is a polydactyl cat? The term “polydactyl cat” comes from the Greek word “polydactyly”, which means “many fingers”. It refers to a cat with six or more toes on each paw instead of five on the front or four on the hind feet. Such animals may have extra toes on one, several, or all of their feet. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the title of polydactyl cat with the “most fingers” belongs to a Canadian tabby named Jake, whose total number of fingers, according to his veterinarian’s official count in 2002, is 28, with “each finger having its own claw, pad and bone structure.” While most polydactyls have far fewer extra toes, Jake’s scores illustrate just how special these cats are.

Genetics

How many fingers does your pet have? Having a few extra fingers doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with her. Polydactyly may seem somewhat unusual, but it is actually quite common in domestic cats (this feature also occurs in other mammals, such as dogs and humans). In some cases, the extra finger takes on the appearance of a thumb, and as a result, the cat looks like she is wearing adorable mittens.

Those wishing to adopt a polydactyl cat should keep in mind that such animals are not a separate breed. In fact, this genetic anomaly can appear in any breed of cat, as it is transmitted through DNA. A Maine Coon cat has about a 40 percent chance of being born polydactyl, but there is no strong evidence of a genetic predisposition, says Vetstreet.

History

The history of polydactyl cats begins in 1868. At that time, they were especially popular among sailors in the northeastern United States and Canada (especially Nova Scotia), where many of these animals are still found. It was believed (and still is) that these special cats brought good luck to their owners, especially sailors who took them on board to catch mice. The extra toes help polydactyl cats to maintain excellent balance and withstand even the harshest waves at sea.

Polydactyl cats are often called Hemingway cats, after an American writer who was given a six-toed cat by a sea captain. Living at the time in Key West, Florida from about 1931 to 1939, Ernest Hemingway was absolutely delighted with his new pet Snowball. Over the years, says Vetstreet, the famous cat’s descendants have taken over the famous writer’s estate, which now houses his home-museum, and their number has grown to about fifty.

Special care

Although polydactyl cats do not have any particular health problems, you as the owner will need to take good care of the claws and paws of the furry cat. As Petful writes, they “often develop an extra claw between the big toe and the foot, which can grow into the foot or pad, causing pain and infections.” To avoid irritation or possible injury, ask your veterinarian for advice on how to trim your kitten’s nails comfortably and safely.

Pay attention to how often the cat licks its paws. Keeping a close eye on your pet’s grooming habits (multi-toed or not), such as excessive paw-licking or preference for one paw over others, is a great way to find out if she’s okay. 

Don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from adopting happy, healthy polydactyl cats! They will fill your home with love, friendship, happiness and… a few extra fingers.