Typical Cat Paws

While most cats have five toes on their front paws and 4 toes on their hind paws, polydactyl cats can have six or more toes on each paw. It is a genetic abnormality that can affect any cat breed, male or female, big or small. Although it can make nail trimming a little more labor-intensive, being polydactyl poses ho harm to a cat’s health and wellness.

Fun Facts About Polydactyl Cats:

  • Some polydactyl cats have “mittens.” – Cat’s paws with extra toes can have a thumb-like appearance but aren’t opposable.
  • Polydactyl cats are considered lucky! – Like many kinds of cats, such as black cats and calico cats, polydactyl cats were believed to be good luck to sailors. Throughout history, they were a common sight on trans-continental ships in Western England, Wales, Canada, and Eastern United States. On the ships, polydactyl cats were excellent mousers, helping keep the ships’ supplies vermin-free. Large, wide paws also aided their balance during rocky sea currents.
  • Ernest Hemingway loved polydactyl cats! – After his death in 1961, his home in Key West, Florida was transformed into a museum and a home for his beloved cats. Currently, it is home to nearly 50 descendants of his original pack of cats (about half are polydactyl).
  • According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a polydactyl ginger tabby named Jake holds the world record for the most toes. Jake has a whopping 28 TOES!!
  •   This condition is very common among Maine Coon Cats.

MEET JAKE

  •   This condition is very common among Maine Coon Cats.

   Originating in Maine’s harsh, snowy winter conditions, Maine Coon cats evolved to have large, insulated paws that serve as tiny built-in snow boots. At one time in history about 40% of Maine coon cats had extra digits. Today, the polydactyl gene mutation has been largely bred out of Maine coons.

In loving memory of my polydactyl Maine Coon named Digits.

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Animal Works Veterinary Surgery
Fort Collins
970-694-2625

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