Have you seen a polydactyl cat, with his really big paws? Polydactyl means ‘extra fingers.’
He has extra toes – maybe as many as seven, or even nine, on one foot.
This is a mutation of a dominant gene, so it can occur easily in new litters of a polydactyl gene-carrying parent. Although this specialty usually affects only the front feet, the back feet may grow extra toes, too.
This cat doesn’t have any medical defects, just extra toes. A healthy, ‘handy’ kitty to have around.
With those big mittens, he can climb really well, grip onto his surroundings better on an unstable surface, and catch rats. Ahoy matey! Polydactyls are perfect for seafaring! Sailors have had ships’ cats for centuries, to catch rats and bugs on board who could chew the ropes and spoil food, and to warn sailors about brewing storms. Poly cats were especially prized on board, but sadly not in Europe, where they were thought to be products of witchcraft.
In North America, it is generally accepted that polys first appeared in Boston, MA, having crossed over with the first English settlers in the 1600s. They are sometimes called Boston cats. These cats then spread throughout New England and nearby Canadian ports.
So many long-haired, husky Maine Coon cats are polydactyl that a new breed of Maine Coon Polydactyl was officially recognized. The American Polydactyl breed is different, with a short domestic coat. He looks like a typical house cat except for giant paws.
Today most polydactyl cats are still found in the US almost exclusively in New England, except for their Florida cousins.
You can’t talk about polydactyl cats without including Hemingway cats. These Floridian poly cats are famous and pampered little celebrities. When he settled in Key West, writer Ernest Hemingway was given a lovely poly cat named Snow White by a ships’ captain. Ever since he passed away in 1961, Hemingway’s home has been maintained as a museum and a refuge for his cats. To date as many as 25 extra-toed descendants of Snow White live on the estate, and all 50+ cats carry the gene to create more. And yes, as the saying goes, while dogs have masters, these cats have staff.
If you are interested in adopting a polydactyl cat, check with your local shelters and rescue groups. These cats do occasionally appear here in the south, or they can be transported to you by some groups. It would be wonderful to give these pets a home, who might otherwise be considered too unusual to be adoptable. There is no downside to having a poly cat, except for perhaps an upcharge on those mani-pedis.
Heron’s Crossing provides end-of-life care for pets in the Metro Atlanta area. In-home appointments with compassionate vets are available. If you’d prefer a home-like setting away from your home, our Decatur office is also available by appointment.