Last Updated on March 14, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Polydactyl cats are special because they have more toes than usual. Most cats have five front and four hind toes; however, polydactyl cats might have six or more.
Polydactyly means having extra toes, and it’s a genetic thing. Some places in the world have more polydactyl cats than others. It doesn’t matter if a cat is a boy, a girl, or a big or small breed; polydactyly can happen to any cat. Jennifer Lee says,
“Polydactyl cats: where extra toes meet extraordinary charm.”
Some people like polydactyl cats, but others might not adopt them from shelters because of their extra toes. But did you know over 6 million pets are waiting for homes?
Keep reading to discover why some cats are born with extra toes, and enjoy some cute pictures of polydactyl cats.
What Is A Polydactyl Cat?
Polydactyly means some cats have more toes than usual due to a genetic change. Luckily, these extra toes work just fine, and cats with this condition don’t get sick. Care for a cat with additional toes is comparable to caring for any other cat; however, you may need to clip their nails more often.
History Of Polydactyl Cats
Over time, many individuals have learned to enjoy polydactyl cats. Famous fans included Ernest Hemingway. He called Snow White, a six-toed cat he obtained from a ship captain in Key West, Florida. He adored these kitties so much they’re called “Hemingway cats.” About 60 polydactyl cats live at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
Captains commonly carried polydactyl cats because they thought they were lucky. They thought the additional toes helped cats balance in storms and capture mice. Cornell University’s 1988 study concluded that the Puritans brought polydactyl cats from England to Boston in the 1600s. They were later transported by ship to Halifax and Nova Scotia.
Why Does My Cat Have Extra Toes?
Polydactyly is a congenital condition that causes cats to have more toes than typical. This means they were born with extra toes due to a genetic mutation. It’s like having “many fingers” in Greek. It just means that part of their body is formed differently.
The extra toes happen because of a gene in their DNA, not because of their gender. This mutation can give cats five to nine toes per paw. Any paw can have more toes, although front paws usually do.
The good news is that having extra toes doesn’t hurt your cat. It won’t make them sick or affect how they live. The gene behind polydactyly is called Sonic Hedgehog, which is also linked to similar things in other animals, like humans.
Polydactyl Cats Personality
Some people think Polydactyl cats are friendlier, but that’s not true. These cats don’t have special personality traits that make them nicer than others. Like any other cat, their personality depends on the cat itself, not their breed.
Polydactyl Cats Lifespan
Polydactyl cats, when healthy, have a lifespan of 15 years. However, it’s important to note that outdoor cats, regardless of breed or polydactyly, tend to have shorter lifespans compared to indoor cats, often surviving for less than 5 years due to various environmental factors and risks. Therefore, providing a safe indoor environment can significantly extend a polydactyl cat’s lifespan.
Care Instructions For Polydactyl Cats
A polydactyl cat is like any other cat to care for. Their upbringing and DNA determine their personality. Like other cats, they might be playful, shy, or friendly.
It would help if you clipped their nails periodically due to their extra toes. This prevents nails from getting caught and overgrowing. Give them enough scratching posts to keep their nails healthy.
Luckily, polydactyl cats are healthy too. Their additional toes don’t pose health problems, so treat them like regular cats. They need adequate food, playtime, and vet visits.
Other Genetic Anomalies In Cats
Cats can have more than one hereditary abnormality, polydactyly included. The male tortoiseshell cat, for instance, is an outlier in terms of genetics. Their unusual chromosomal makeup gives them a tricolour pattern resembling a cross between black and orange. Additional genetic alterations that you should be aware of are:
1: Short Tails Or No Tails
Manx cats, originating from the Isle of Man between Ireland and England, possess a distinctive feature that sets them apart from ordinary felines: either the absence of tails or short tails, with four tail length variations observed. Additionally, these cats exhibit a unique rabbit-like gait, often appearing to hop rather than walk.
Unfortunately, some Manx cats may suffer from spina bifida occulta, a congenital disability resulting in the incomplete closure of the spine during development, leading to a tailless appearance. This disorder can cause urinary and faeces issues, diminished reflexes, and hind leg weakness in cats. Though susceptible to this illness, Manx cats are normally healthy.
2: Folded Ears Or Extra Ears
Certain felines exhibit unique ear characteristics, such as folded ears or even additional ear-like structures. Scottish Fold cats, for instance, are born with naturally folded ears, resulting from Scottish Fold osteodystrophy attributed to a cartilage defect.
This condition may lead to joint problems and scoliosis due to its impact on the joints. Moreover, while exceptionally rare, some cats may possess an extra set of “ears,” although these are not true ears but additional appendages resembling ears. This genetic anomaly is purely cosmetic and does not pose any health concerns.
3: Dwarfism
Dwarfism is a frequently observed mutation in cats, often sought after by individuals interested in adopting Munchkin cats. These felines are beloved for their endearing short legs.
However, cats affected by dwarfism face limitations in their mobility, unable to run, jump, or climb as proficiently as their counterparts. Additionally, they are more susceptible to arthritis and various other health issues.
Polydactyl Cats Hemingway
Moreover, Ernest Hemingway was given a six-toed cat and developed a fondness for Polydactyl cats. He accumulated so many Polydactyl cats that the genetic anomaly became associated with his name, and they are occasionally referred to as “Hemingway cats.” Presently,
Hemingway’s former residence has been transformed into a museum and serves as a sanctuary for the descendants of his cats. Approximately 50 cats reside in the museum, nearly half exhibiting polydactyly.
Polydactyl Cats Breeds
Among various cat breeds, the Maine Coon and Pixiebob are notably predisposed to polydactyly, a condition characterized by extra toes. Maine Coon cats, renowned for their sizable stature and tufted ears, often exhibit this trait, further enhancing their distinctive appearance. However, any cat, regardless of breed, can be born with extra toes, contingent upon their genetic composition and expression of genes.
Polydactyl Cats Inbred
No, polydactyl cats are not typically the result of inbreeding. Rather, they inherit a genetic mutation from one of their parents. If one of the cat’s parents carries the mutation, at least some of their kittens will also exhibit polydactyly.
Polydactylism is considered a dominant trait, not a rare recessive one usually associated with inbreeding. Consequently, any cat with a polydactyl parent has the potential to possess extra toes.
Polydactyl Cats Health Issues
Polydactyl cats generally do not experience health issues or discomfort due to their condition and lead normal lives. However, if the extra toes are not fully formed and are floppy, there may be a higher risk of injuries such as torn claws from catching on objects. In rare cases, the extra claws may not grow properly, resembling an ingrown nail, but occurrences of this are uncommon.
Polydactyly may benefit cats by improving their balance and hunting abilities. While the validity of this claim is debatable, it’s important to note that polydactylism is a genetic abnormality. Therefore, deliberate breeding to perpetuate such abnormalities should be avoided.
Are Polydactyl Cats Rare?
Polydactyl cats are frequent despite their rarity. If one cat parent has extra toes, half of the kittens may too.
Maine Coons and Pixie Bobs are most likely to have polydactylism. The Bengals can, too. Polydactyl cats are suspected to be more common in southwest England and Wales and the east coast of North America and Canada.
Most cats have 18 toes, but polydactyl cats might have nine on each front or back paw. Jake has the most cat toes, 28! The record is seven on each paw!
Does Polydactyly Cause Any Pain To Cats?
Polydactyly doesn’t harm cats or cause other health issues. No worries if your cat has extra toes. Trim their additional toenails and groom them more. The extra toe may not form properly, causing ingrown claws.
Cats usually benefit from additional toes. Sailors thought that bigger paws for those extra toes might help them balance when climbing or hunting.
Conclusion
Polydactyl cats have garnered affection over time and have been regarded as symbols of good fortune by sailors for centuries. Despite the initial curiosity surrounding their genetic anomaly, polydactyl cats are perfectly healthy—they boast extra toes. Their care requirements remain largely standard, albeit with the need for a bit more attention to trimming their additional claws.
Polydactyl cats can thrive under the care of a devoted pet owner, enjoying long and healthy lives. If you’re seeking guidance on enhancing your role as a pet parent, consider exploring Dutch telemedicine for pets. Through virtual pet care services, we offer diagnosis and treatment options for various feline ailments, ensuring your cat’s well-being for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Is A Polydactyl Cat Worth?
The price of an American Polydactyl cat ranges from $500 to 2,000 dollars.
Do Polydactyl Cats Live Longer?
As far as life expectancy is concerned, polydactyl cats are not different from normal cats in any way. The average lifespan of a cat is approximately 15 years, although this number might vary based on their health and circumstances.
Source
Polydactyl Cats: What To Know About Cats With ‘Thumbs’
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