All About Polydactyl Cats

Written by

If you’ve ever seen a cat with an unusual number of toes, you may have encountered a polydactyl cat. These kitties, sometimes called “Hemingway cats” (thanks to the famous writer’s fondness for them), have extra toes on one or more of their paws. But what causes this delightful quirk, and what does it mean for the cat’s life? Let’s explore!

What is Polydactyly?

Polydactyly is a genetic condition where a cat is born with more than the usual number of toes. While most cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws (18 toes in total), polydactyl cats can have six or more toes on one or all four paws. Some polydactyl cats even have up to eight toes!

This condition is relatively rare in the general cat population but more common in certain regions, like along the East Coast of the United States, Canada, and England, likely due to genetic factors and breeding patterns.

How Do Polydactyl Cats Get Their Extra Toes?

The extra toes result from a genetic mutation that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that if one of a cat’s parents carries the polydactyl gene, there’s a good chance their kittens will have extra toes as well. The gene responsible for polydactyly is called Pd, and it affects the formation of the paws during development in the womb.

Because it’s a dominant trait, a polydactyl cat only needs to inherit the mutation from one parent to have extra toes. This trait doesn’t cause any health problems and is primarily a cosmetic difference. However, the shape and size of the paws can vary depending on how many toes the cat has. Sometimes the extra digits form “thumbs,” giving them the appearance of mitten-like paws.

Are Extra Toes Beneficial?

Interestingly, some people believe that polydactyl cats may have advantages over their five-toed counterparts, particularly in terms of dexterity. Their larger, wider paws are often thought to provide better balance and climbing ability, which could be useful for outdoor cats or those who enjoy leaping and scaling tall objects.

Historically, polydactyl cats were favoured by sailors, who considered them good luck. Sailors believed these cats were better at hunting rodents on ships and navigating rough seas due to their unique paws.

Are There Any Health Concerns?

While polydactyl cats are generally healthy, their extra toes require a bit of extra care. The additional digits can make grooming a bit tricky, and dirt or debris might get trapped between the toes. It’s important for owners to regularly check their cat’s paws for any signs of infection or overgrown claws. Some cats may need help with nail clipping since the extra claws might not naturally wear down as easily as those on other toes.

In rare cases, the extra toes can be malformed or poorly positioned, which could lead to discomfort or issues with walking. A vet can assess whether any action, such as claw trimming or surgical correction, is needed.

Famous Polydactyl Cats

Perhaps the most famous polydactyl cat enthusiast was Ernest Hemingway, the celebrated American author. A sea captain gave Hemingway his first polydactyl cat, named Snow White, and today, many of the cats living at Hemingway’s former home in Key West, Florida, are descendants of Snow White. These cats continue to roam the property, with some of them displaying the famous extra toes that have become a symbol of the estate.

Polydactyl Cats Today

Today, polydactyl cats are adored for their uniqueness and charm. While they don’t have any special needs beyond basic paw care, their striking appearance has made them popular among cat lovers. If you have the pleasure of meeting or adopting a polydactyl cat, you’ll likely be enchanted by their distinctive “mittens” and playful personalities.

Last modified: October 16, 2024