Polydactyl Cats: How Extra Toes Shape Their Life, History, and Health

What Is a Polydactyl Cat?

Polydactyl cats are born with extra toes, giving them a mitten‑like appearance. The trait is a simple genetic mutation—just one copy of the dominant gene is enough for the extra digits to appear.

Why the Extra Toes?

Most cats have 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each hind paw. Polydactyl cats can have one to three additional toes on a paw, with some extreme cases reaching seven toes per paw.

The Science Behind the Trait

The word “polydactyl” comes from the Greek words for “many fingers.” During fetal development, the mutation alters limb bud patterning, sometimes producing a thumb‑like digit. While the trait most often shows up on the front paws, it can appear on all four feet.

Hemingway Cats

Ernest Hemingway was famous for his love of six‑toed cats. The term “Hemingway cats” refers to the descendants of the original ship‑captain’s gift that still roam the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida. The American Polydactyl Association now recognizes them as a distinct lineage.

Are They Common?

Polydactyly is not limited to a single breed. It appears in many domestic cats, though it is particularly common among Maine Coon cats, whose already distinctive coats and tufted ears are further accentuated by the extra toes.

Health and Care

Extra toes do not typically cause health problems. Regular nail trimming is the main care consideration. A veterinarian can help trim the extra nails and check for any skeletal abnormalities, but otherwise these cats live normal, healthy lives.

Guinness World Record

Jake, a polydactyl cat, holds the Guinness World Record with 28 toes—seven on each paw. His record demonstrates the full extent of the genetic variation.

Why People Love Them

Beyond their unique look, many owners note that polydactyl cats seem more adept at climbing and grabbing—though scientific evidence is limited. Their wide paws, sometimes described as built‑in snowshoes, add both charm and function.