What is a polydactle cat?

A polydactyl cat is a cat that has more than the usual number of toes on its paws. The term "polydactyl" literally means "many fingers" or "many toes".

Here's what you need to know about polydactyl cats:

Characteristics:

* Extra toes: They can have an extra toe or two on each paw, or even more.

* "Thumbs": The most common extra toe is a "thumb" located on the inside of the paw, which helps them with balance and grip.

* No health issues: Extra toes are usually not a health concern and don't affect their mobility.

* Genetic trait: Polydactyly is a dominant genetic trait, which means a cat only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to have extra toes.

Notable facts:

* Hemingway cats: Ernest Hemingway loved polydactyl cats and many live at his home in Key West, Florida.

* "Mitten paws": Polydactyl cats often have "mitten paws" because the extra toes are often bundled together.

* Not all polydactyls have extra toes on all paws: They can have extra toes on just one or two paws.

Overall, polydactyl cats are unique and often have a charming, clumsy appearance. Their extra toes give them excellent grip and balance, and they are typically healthy and happy cats.