Meet the polydactyl cat, a feline phenomenon born from a genetic mutation that defies convention and sets it apart from its peers. With extra toes on its paws, this quirky companion is redefining the limits of feline physiology.
Some cats are just born to stand out. The polydactyl cat sports extra toes that make it look like it’s wearing mittens, earning it nicknames like ‘mitten cats,’ ‘big foot cats’ or even ‘cats with thumbs.’ These feline friends aren’t just quirky; they’re examples of a genetic mutation that changes the number of toes on their paws.
A polydactyl cat is a domesticated cat that has an extra toe on one or more of its paws.
This rare genetic trait affects about 1 in every 500 cats worldwide.
Polydactyly occurs when there's an extra digit present at birth, which can be either fully formed or partially developed.
Some breeds, such as the 'Maine Coon' and 'British Shorthair', are more prone to polydactyly due to their genetic makeup.
Polydactyl cats are generally healthy and normal, but may require surgery if the extra toe causes discomfort.
Causes and Effects of Polydactyly
Polydactyl cats are caused by a dominant gene, which means it only takes one copy for the trait to appear. Most cats have 18 toes: five toes on each front paw and four on each hind paw. But polydactyl cats may have extra digits, sometimes even up to seven toes on a single paw.
Polydactyly is a congenital condition characterized by the presence of extra fingers or toes.
It affects approximately 1 in every 500 births, with a higher prevalence in individuals of Asian and Middle Eastern descent.
The condition can occur on either side of the body and may be isolated to one limb or affect multiple limbs.
Polydactyly is typically classified into two types: postaxial polydactyly, where extra fingers are located at the outer edge of the hand, and preaxial polydactyly, where extra fingers are located at the inner edge.
These extra claws and wider paw pads can make it look like the cat is wearing mittens, especially on the front paws. While less common, some also have extra toes on their back paws. The science of extra toes lies in how a cat‘s limbs form in the womb, leading to extra toes or extra ‘fingers.’ Often, it creates a thumb-like structure that sets them apart from regular cats.
History and Genetics
The word ‘polydactyl‘ comes from the Greek words for ‘many fingers.’ This genetic abnormality has traveled far and wide, historically spreading through seafaring cats in northern Europe and eastern North America. Polydactyly is a dominant trait, which means that if one parent has the polydactyl gene, about half of the offspring could be polydactyl too.
Hemingway Cats
Ernest Hemingway had a fondness for polydactyl cats, and the term ‘Hemingway cats‘ refers to their many descendants living at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida. The writer received his first six-toed cat from a ship’s captain, a nod to the historical belief that polydactyl cats were lucky and had better hunting abilities at sea.
Rarity and Health
Polydactyl kittens have bigger paws to grow into than other cats do. Polydactyl cats aren’t restricted to a specific breed, but they’re more common in certain cat breeds like Maine Coon cats. While non-polydactyl cats have the usual number of toes, polydactyl cats offer a natural variation that doesn’t generally lead to health issues.
With proper nail care to manage overgrown nails, polydactyl cats live healthy lives and enjoy a normal life expectancy. A small animal veterinarian can help trim cat‘s nails and monitor any concerns related to bone structure or extra digits.
- howstuffworks.com | A Polydactyl Cat Has 5, 6 or even 7 Toes on Each Paw
