Polydactyl cats is a loaded phrase. So, what does it mean exactly? We explain it all in this article. You’ll discover the reason some felines have extra toes. And you may be surprised where polydactyl falls on the rarity spectrum.
Ready to learn more? Let’s get scratchin’!
What Are Polydactyl Cats?
The definition, according to Webster’s Dictionary, of polydactyly is “the condition of having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.” In Greek, “poly” means many and “dactylos” means digits.
Polydactyl cats have extra toes. Their nickname is thumb cats. The extra toes are typically on the inside of the front paws, which makes them look like thumbs. It’s more rare to have extra toes on the back paws.
What Causes Polydactyl Toes?
The polydactyly trait in cats is a dominant trait, meaning that if a cat inherits the gene from one parent, it will express the trait. This means that even if only one parent has the gene for polydactyly, there is a high likelihood that some of the offspring will also inherit the trait. If one parent is polydactyl, there’s a high probability that some of the mother’s litter will be polydactyl. Those offspring will continue to pass it on. So, we’ll never be without cats with extra toes.
The reason the trait continues to exist is that it gives some sort of advantage to those individuals who possess it. In the case of cats, polydactyly may have more of an advantage in terms of hunting or climbing ability. This gives them a better life expectancy and increases the likelihood of passing it on.
The exact origin of the gene for polydactyly in cats is not fully understood, but it is believed to have arisen spontaneously and independently in different cat populations around the world.
One theory is that the gene for polydactyly in cats may have been brought to North America by European settlers in the 17th and 18th centuries. Another theory is that the gene may have been introduced to cat populations in New England by sailors and traders from England, who valued polydactyl cats as skilled mousers.
Polydactyl cats are particularly common in certain regions of North America, such as in Maine, where the trait appear frequently in “Maine Coon” cats. The polydactyly trait is also found in other cat breeds, including the American Shorthair and the Hemingway cat, a breed named after the writer Ernest Hemingway, who was known for his fondness for polydactyl.
Polydactyly in cats has also been perpetuated by selective breeding practices. For example, some breeders have intentionally bred polydactyl cats with each other in order to produce litters of polydactyl kittens.
How Many Toes Do Most Cats Have?
Most cats have a total of 18 toes. They have five on each of their front paws and four on each of the back. Polydactyl cats can have 22 to 28 toes.
While 28 tends to be rare, they are out there. In fact, Thumbz the Cat has 28 toes and has become an Instagram star. There was also one with 28 toes in Minnesota that tied with another cat for the Guinness World Record for the cat with the most toes.
Are Polydactyl Cats Rare?
Polydactyl cats aren’t considered rare. It’s heredity and passed down through a dominant gene so that extra toes will continue to exist as long as it’s passed on by one cat. If one parent is polydactyl, 40 to 50 percent of the litter will likely inherit it.
Cats with extra toes also have extra charm. And the additional digits can help them. For example, it provides additional help climbing trees, balancing, and hunting. They’re often considered lucky cats.
Can Any Breed of Cat Be Polydactyl?
Any breed of cat can have the polydactyl gene. It’s also not an abnormality related to a particular lineage of felines that we know of.
Some would say that it shows up more often in Maine Coon cats. A study in the 1950s showed that 40 percent of Maine Coons were polydactyl. However, once the breed entered the show circuit, breeders purposely worked to get extra-toed cats out of their bloodlines. Since one parent has to have the gene, they were able to get polydactyly out of future litters.
While it’s unknown why so many Maine Coons had extra toes, it does relate to the Hemingway cat story. Ernest Hemingway was given a six-toed white Maine Coon by a ship’s captain. His cat parented other kittens who received the gene and passed it to others of varying breeds throughout the years.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, is now home to some of the original polydactyl cat’s descendants. If you visit, you’ll find calicos, tabbies, and more breeds with extra toes running around the museum grounds.
Do Polydactyl Cats Have Problems?
In general, polydactyl cats are no different from cats with 18 toes. Their life expectancy is the same and they go about the day just like any other feline. However, there are some things to keep in mind with polydactyly, including the potential for nail overgrowth, nail bed infections, and injuries.
Their extra nails don’t always get worn down from their scratching process. So, regular trimming is necessary. Otherwise, they’ll get overgrown. I’ve seen overgrown polydactyl nails that have grown around in a full circle and stabbed the flesh between the toes. They became infected, and it was an awful experience for the cat.
Do Polydactyl Cats Need Special Care?
Polydactyl cats shouldn’t need special care. However, they require regular nail trimming. Of course, no cat is the same and that includes polydactyl cats. So, being aware of your cat’s health history and needs is essential whether it has extra toes or not.
If you bring a new cat home or your pet has a litter of kittens that are polydactyl, we recommend asking your vet if there’s anything special you should keep your eye on. It will give you peace of mind and it’s also good to have vet records in case something happens to your fur baby.
In addition, sometimes, the extra toes on a polydactyl cat can be challenging to trim on your own. You may want to consult with a professional to ask if they can teach you how to care for your pet’s toes. Or, consider taking your cat to a groomer for nail trimming on a regular basis.
Should You Declaw Polydactyl Cats?
It’s strongly recommended not to declaw polydactyl cats or any felines. Just because a cat has extra toes doesn’t mean it doesn’t need them. It will use whatever it’s born with, and more toes can be an advantage. It’s in a feline’s nature to hunt and scratch. They need their nails for this, even the extra ones. Taking that away from them can be severely debilitating.
Declawing is amputating toes from the last bone with a scalpel or guillotine clipper. It’s a cruel procedure that should only be done in rare medical emergencies, such as removing a cancerous tumor in the nail bed. Polydactyly isn’t a medical condition. It’s simply a hereditary abnormality. Declawing can lead to debilitating side effects, including arthritis, infections, and difficulty walking.
More Toes Simply Add to the Charm and Cuteness of a Cat
Polydactyl cats are cute and charming. Sometimes their paws look like mittens, which adds even more to their adorableness. Keep an eye out for cats with extra toes, and let them know they’re just as special as any other feline!
Do you have a polydactyl cat? If so, tag us in a photo on Instagram (@hypepets). We’d love to say hello.
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