Polydactylism in Cats

Polydactylism in cats is a naturally occurring, genetic condition where felines are born with six front toes. These special felines are found worldwide due to sailors allowing the cats on their ships, as well as owners bringing polydactyl cats with them to the New World. Polydactylism is a dominant trait--if one parent has the gene, there's almost a 50 percent chance the offspring will share the characteristic.

  1. History

    • Researchers officially recorded feline polydactylism in 1868. The condition was observed prior to this time, however.

    Identification

    • By definition, polydactyly means many fingers. (In Greek, poly equals many and daktylos equals fingers.)

    Considerations

    • Cats with polydactylism are often called Hemingway cats, thumb cats or mitten cats.

    Famous Ties

    • Ernest Hemingway owned polydactyl cats, which he allowed to breed freely, keeping around 50 cats at his Key West home.

    Identification

    • Normal cats have 18 toes while polydactyl cats have one to two extra toes on the front paws. Rarely are additional toes seen on back feet.

    Fun Fact

    • Sailors believed polydactyl cats brought good luck. Also considered to be superior mousers, sailors welcomed mitten cats aboard their ships.