All About Polydactyl Cats: Mitten-Pawed Cats
Usually having five toes on their front and four on their rear paws, polydactyl cats have at least six toes on one or more of their paws—meaning even more beautiful toes to admire!
Greek words meaning “many fingers,” “polydactyl” is used here; some polydactyl cats have several extra appendages—sometimes up to nine toes per paw! These cats may have extended toes, producing somewhat different paw prints. Indeed, the unusual shape of their prints helps some of the other names for polydactyl cats—mitten paws, snowshoe cats, boxer cats, and thumb cats—emerge.
Should you have never had the delight of meeting a cat with six or more toes, you could consider them rare. But these fantastic cats are more often found than you would guess. Read on for further details about polydactyl cats, including their origins, why they have additional toes, and whether they have any health problems (short answer: not generally).
One unique genetic feature of polydactyl cats distinguishes them—they are born with extra toes! Due to this disorder, sometimes known as polydactyly, these cats have extra fingers on their paws. Emphasizing their unusual and intriguing qualities, they are sometimes affectionately called “big-foot cats,” “cats with thumbs,” “six-toed cats,” or “mitten kittens.”
The Greek terms “poly,” meaning many, and “daktylos,” signifying digits, help define the phrase “polydactyl.” Though their back paws can also be impacted, this interesting disorder mostly affects the front paws of these feline pals.
Please keep reading to learn amazing facts about their unusual anatomy, personality qualities, and the gripping tales behind these particular cats.
Main Lessons:
- A benign hereditary feature known as polydactyly, polydactyl cats feature additional toes.
- Usually showing up on the front paws, the extra toes can also develop on the hind paws.
- Polydactyl cats can be of several breeds, have different personalities, and enjoy good health with appropriate care. Frequent nail cutting helps to stop overgrowth and damage.
The genetic mutation in polydactyl cats
Anita Patel, area medical Specialist of IndeVets, says polydactyly is a hereditary genetic condition usually passed on by an autosomal dominant trait. “Autosomal” refers to the gene’s non-sex chromosome nature.
“Alleles, the codes that control our body’s design, define features within the genetics of a species. In cats, polydactyl expression calls for one allele from one parent.
A cat could be polydactyl if only one of their parents possesses the gene; whether the other parent carries the gene makes no difference. Should one parent cat be polydactyl, the likelihood of producing polydactyl kittens is forty to fifty percent.
Three different types of Polydactyl Cats
As was already noted, cats usually have five digits on each of their frontal paws and four numbers on each of their hind paws. The dewclaw, which lacks weight and could be regarded as a non-functional thumb, is part of the front paw.
A cat considered polydactyl has extra digits. On the paws, the extra digits may show up wherever. Some cats may have an additional dewclaw on the front, while others may have one—or more—on the back.
- Polydactyly falls into three different categories, according to experts:
- Postaxial: The extra toes are on the pinky side or the outside of their paws.
- Preaxial: The additional toes mimic a thumb and lie inside the paws. This is the most widespread kind of polydactyly.
Mesoaxial: This is a very unusual form of polydactyly; an extra toe is found in the paw’s center.
While around 10% of polydactyl cats have more toes on their rear paws than on both front feet, most of them have multiple toes on their front paws. While their front and rear paws have varying numbers of toes, most polydactyl cats have the exact count on both of their two front and two rear paws.
With 28 toes, a cat with the name Jake holds the Guinness World Record for most toes on a cat. 2018 saw him joined by another feline with 28 toes, Paws.
Specific Areas of the World See More “Mitten” Cats
Though in some areas, they are somewhat frequent, you might not have come across a cat with six or more toes. “When evaluated in the overall population of cats, polydactyly is uncommon but not rare,” notes Patel, adding that it may be more common among some breeds and populations of cats.
Mostly, just domestic cats in the United States and the United Kingdom have the genes causing polydactyly. Polydactyl cats are rare anywhere else in the globe.
Which breed of cat is polydactyl?
Though they are not formally recognized as a distinct breed, some people view polydactyl cats as a distinctive breed, known as the American Polydactyl.
“Maine Coon and Pixiebob cats are the only two breeds where polydactyly is prevalent enough to be considered a normal variation,” notes Patel. “At one point, forty percent of Maine Coon cats were polydactyl.” As the extra toes functioned as natural snowshoes, allowing Maine Coon cats to negotiate the deep snowdrifts in their natural habitat readily, this feature had evolutionary benefits.
Pixiebobs started in Washington state during the 1980s. Like a bobcat, which is how the breed acquired its name, Pixie, the original Pixiebob, had a short tail and a wild look.
Breeders of Pixiebobs try to create both polydactyly and a bobbed tail. With a maximum of seven toes permitted on each paw, breeding guidelines actually state that they are the only cat breeds permitted to have extra toes.
Polydactyl individuals are also rather prevalent in several other cat breeds. Often with additional toes on its front paws, the Maine Coon exhibits friendly behavior and tufted ears. Though recognized for their strong body and pleasant demeanor, American Shorthairs can also show polydactyl features on the front and hind paws.
Furthermore, polydactyly can arise in domestic shorthairs, which comprise a broad spectrum of cats with different coat patterns.
Polydactyly affects both sexes of all breeds. Hence, polydactyl cat owners can produce litters with both standard and polydactyl kittens. Every letter gains an element of surprise and astonishment from the inheritance of this fantastic quality.
Polydactyl Cats: History and Origin
Rich in history and with interesting beginnings are polydactyl cats. During the era of discovery, they gained popularity among sailors who thought they would bring good fortune on maritime trips.
Renowned writer Ernest Hemingway especially loved polydactyl cats; his former Key West, Florida house is now a museum and refuge for these unusual felines, sometimes known as “Hemingway cats.”
Further contributing to their appeal now are polydactyl cats in several cat breeds, including domestic shorthairs, American shorthairs, and Maine Coons.If you don’t know their features, stay with us to find out.
Physical Attributes of Polydactyl Cats
Usually having four fingers on each hind paw and five digits on each front paw, cats also have a non-weight-bearing dewclaw—akin to a non-functional thumb.
Still, polydactyl cats show one or more extra digits on their paws. These extra toes could be wholly formed with an additional bony digit, nail, and paw pad, or they might resemble a thumb’s expanded dewclaw.
Though they may also show up on their hind paws, additional digits in polydactyl cats are most usually found on their front paws.
Apart from the additional toes, polydactyl cats might show differences in size, body form, and coat qualities, much as any other cat. Variations in the breed and individual genes of the cat define these differences. Usually affecting the anatomy of the paws, polydactyly mostly influences other physical characteristics.
These cats have a benign genetic feature called polydactyly, which has no negative consequences for their general well-being or health. Extra toes define this unusual disorder, which does not cause any health problems or raise anxiety.Extra Toes, Extra Charm: Exploring the Types of Polydactyl Cats.
Are polydactyl cats likely to have health issues?
Though this is quite rare, some forms of polydactyly may cause health problems. For a cat, generally, polydactyly does not cause any significant issues. The most common form, non-syndromic polydactyly, means that, per Patel, your cat has extra toes.
Patel goes on to clarify, though, another type: syndromic polydactyly. Genetic abnormalities in cats with syndromic polydactyly can also result in limb defects, including short or twisted forelegs. These limb problems can compromise the cat’s mobility; occasionally, medical attention may be required to resolve these problems.
Mostly, though, polydactyl cats have no more health issues than cats with normal number of toes. Their usual lifetime is likewise between 12 to 15 years.
Generally speaking, polydactyl cats have good health; their additional toes are not thought of as a handicap or health issue. Their nails do, however, call for particular treatment. Normal dew claws as well as any extra claws should be taken into account including issues like excessive nail development.
These non-weight-bearing claws do generally not wear away, so overgrowth can result. The nails could curl into the paw without frequent cutting, therefore causing possible damage.
Consulting a veterinarian or professional groomer knowledgeable about polydactyl cats will yield helpful methods for keeping their nails in good shape. Examining the paw pads also helps one look for any issues involving the extra toes. Early addressing of their nail care requirements will help to avoid overgrown nail-related discomfort, damage, and difficulties.
Like every other cat, polydactyl cats depend on routine veterinary care. Their general well-being depends on regular visits, immunizations, and preventative action. This regular maintenance enables early identification and treatment of any possible medical problems unrelated to their polydactyly.
Is there any advantage to polydactyly?
Having more toe beans than the typical cat provides any particular advantages. Patel said occasionally this is the case. “Polydactyl cats may be more suited for climbing and acquiring traction since their paws are often more wide.”
Wider paws can also provide some cats an edge when grabbing prey and help with balance. Indoor polydactyl cats that don’t have to hunt could find it simpler to grab food and cat toys!
Are They More Affectionate Than Others?
Some people say polydactyl cats are more friendly and affectionate since they descended from ship’s cats that coexisted closely with humans. No particular data, though, supports this. Their kind nature is most likely the result of their upbringing and genes together.
Ernest Hemingway Admire Polydactyl Cats
So much so that they are sometimes referred to as “Hemingway cats,” author Ernest Hemingway admired polydactyl cats. Gift from sea captain Stanley Dexter, Hemingrow’s first polydactyl cat was a six-toed white Maine Coon. She became the foundation cat of the colony of polydactyl cats presently housed at the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida. He called her Snow White.
As is still done today, he named every one of his cats after well-known figures. About sixty Hemingway cats occupy his house right now. You will likely find some of them straying the house and grounds when you come. (Plus, “Hemingway” generates a decent polydactyl cat name, doesn’t it?)
Are polydactyl kitties lucky?
Partly because of their background as ship cats, polydactyl cats are said to be lucky charms. Their more enormous paws might have let them balance and climb more readily, not only aid in catching rats and other pests. On ships, both of these qualities made them popular as you might expect.
Their popularity over time resulted in a line of polydactyl cats traveling from England to the Boston area—perhaps with Puritan immigrants in the 1600s. From there, these cats dispersed to port cities all around the Atlantic coast.
Taking care of polydactyl cats
Many times, tending to a polydactyl cat is quite similar to tending to any other cat. When it comes to nail cutting, polydactyl cats could, however, need particular attention.
Some of its claws do not touch the ground, hence they can quickly grow overblown. Those claws will be under control with a sharp set of cat nail clippers! Your veterinarian or groomer can cut their claws if you are not at ease managing this yourself.
If you are fortunate enough to have a mitten-paw kitten, you also want to make sure they have a decent assortment of cat trees, boards, and scratching posts. Providing lots of choices lessens the possibility of damaging scratching on other surfaces, even your preferred armchair.
Polydactyl cat personality and temperamental traits
Personality-wise, polydactyl cats range as much as their paw patterns. Although no particular personality feature directly relates to polydactyly, individual cats may show a range of temperaments and behaviors.
Often living with people and other animals, particular polydactyl cats are considered to be outgoing, friendly, and sociable. Others might be more reclusive and independent, choosing alone pursuits and a more subdued surroundings.
Every polydactyl cat is different, hence their personality can be influenced by several elements like genetics, early socializing, and personal experience. Spending time with a polydactyl friend and knowing their unique wants and preferences will help to build a deep and fulfilling relationship, much as with any cat.
Polydactyl cats’ average lifetime
Usually speaking, polydactyl cats have the same life expectancy as non-polydactyl cats. While some domestic cats may live far into their late teens or early twenties with appropriate care, generally domestic cats live 13 to 17 years.
As with any other cat, several elements can affect polydactyl cats’ life expectancy. Significant influences are found in genetics, general health, food, activity, living surroundings, and veterinary access. Promoting longevity and well-being depends critically on a balanced and nutritious diet, frequent exercise, safe and stimulating surroundings, and timely veterinary check-ups and preventative treatment.
Although polydactyl cats have special paws, their polydactyly has no direct bearing on their lifetime. Polydactyl cats can spend a happy and healthy life equivalent to other cats with appropriate care and attention.
Summary
Ultimately, polydactyl cats lead energetic and happy lives free from natural health issues because of their fascinating extra toes. Their unusual paws accentuate their beauty and uniqueness, so making them very special friends. Whether you already love these “big-foot cats” or find their distinctive paws to intriguing, adopting and tending to polydactyl cats will be a fulfilling endeavor.
