Polydactyl cats, also known as Hemingway cats, get their name from the Greek word polydactyly, which means multiple or extra toes. Unlike in humans, dogs, or any other species, where this trait is not so common, in felines, it is rather standard and mainly affects cats from the United States, Wales, and England. An average cat usually has 18 toes, with four on the hind legs and five on the front legs. A polydactyl cat can have up to eight toes on each paw.
Why do some cats have extra toes?
Maine Coons are a breed of cats that can be born with extra toes, a condition known as polydactylism. This genetic mutation was first recorded on ships coming from Boston and has been passed down from one of the parents. Polydactyl kittens are not at risk and can lead a normal life like any other cat. The only potential danger for these cats is the risk of infection or minor complications, which can usually be resolved through surgery.
There are many myths and folklore surrounding polydactyl cats, also known as Hemingway cats, named after the famous writer who owned many cats, over half of which were polydactyl. The Maine Coon breed in particular has a high prevalence of polydactylism, with over 40% of them exhibiting this trait.
In the past, breeders used to eliminate polydactyl Maine Coons, but in recent years, they have made a comeback and gained popularity. The record for the highest number of toes on a polydactyl Maine Coon is held by a ginger tabby cat with 28 toes, each with its own pad and claw.
– « History
Looking back hundreds of years, it appears that these cats were very popular among ships sailing between Great Britain and New England, and there is still some controversy about their origins. Their popularity at the time was due to their fantastic hunting skills, helping to prevent rodent overpopulation. The Maine Coon breed is considered the first breed of cats to be born with this specific trait, and it can still be observed in them today.
As the official cat of the state of Maine, the Maine Coon is one of the oldest and largest breeds in North America, but there is no trace of the exact origins of this cat. Various hypotheses have emerged about the history of how the Maine Coon came to live in North America, but most of them are just popular tales without solid foundations.
One popular tale suggests that Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, tried to flee the country with her favorite cats of the Turkish Angora breed. She did not succeed in reaching North America, but her cats made it to Maine, where they mated with short-haired breeds.
The generally accepted hypothesis among the cat breeding community is that the breed is the result of crossbreeding local short-haired breeds with long-haired breeds imported from overseas. There is a strong resemblance between the Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest Cat. By the end of the 19th century, this specific breed was a favorite at cat shows, but its popularity declined when another type of long-haired cat was introduced in the 20th century.
Do they have extra toes at birth?
Yes, polydactyl cats are born with extra toes, which can be diagnosed during a physical examination where a veterinarian can see the extra toes and determine if they are extra bones or tissues. In most cases, polydactyly does not require treatment and the kittens will lead a healthy life.
Polydactyly is of two types, preaxial where the extra toe develops before the dewclaw and postaxial where it develops after the fourth phalanx. This genetic mutation is passed from a polydactyl cat to its offspring, and since this gene prevails over other normal genes, even if only one of the parents has this trait, there is a high chance that the kitten will be born with extra toes.
Are Maine Coons the Only Polydactyl Cats?
The Maine Coon breed is often associated with polydactylism, which is the presence of extra toes. While any cat can be born with extra toes regardless of its breed, Maine Coons are particularly known for this trait. The mutated gene that causes polydactylism is more prevalent in Maine Coons compared to other cat breeds. As a result, a polydactyl Maine Coon can become an excellent hunter, utilizing its extra toes in ways that are still beyond our imagination.
Are all Maine Coons polydactyl?
Not all Maine Coon cats are polydactyl, and breeders have tried to eliminate this mutation. While the risk of developing an infection or other serious health problems due to polydactyly is close to zero, some complications can still arise, which is why they do not support breeding polydactyl Maine Coons.
The genetic anomaly, even though it has been eliminated from the Maine Coon breed, is slowly making a comeback as it gains popularity. If breeders had not tried to eliminate it and if cats had naturally mated, it is estimated that 28% of Maine Coons would have had this characteristic.
In most cases, polydactyly does not cause any other health complications. However, owners should keep a close eye on the extra toes for any complications such as overgrown nails or pain. This unusual trait is more of a quirk than a deformity, and the cat’s health is not in immediate danger. It can play and run just like any other cat.
What does it mean from the owner’s perspective?
Owners of polydactyl Maine Coon cats should give them a little more attention to keep them safe. Happy owners state that they haven’t had any difficulties in raising and grooming these wonderful cats. Owning a polydactyl cat shouldn’t be much different from owning a regular cat, just a little more care.
If you’re the proud owner of a polydactyl Maine Coon cat, you should consider buying a scratching post for your beloved pet. Having extra toes means they can destroy your furniture faster than an average cat. Also, as an owner, you need to ensure that your cat doesn’t suffer from feline radial hypoplasia, which, like polydactyly, results in the growth of extra toes, but of the same size as normal toes. Breeding cats with this mutation can affect future generations and cause serious deformities in their paws.
Does it cause pain for Maine Coons?
The polydactyl cat has no difficulty in running and playing, and having an extra toe is not painful for them. It should be mentioned that due to their anomaly, they gain dexterity and agility, making them incredible hunters. Sailors didn’t consider them lucky for no reason.
In some cases, polydactyly can lead to infections, or the gene mutation can spread and result in heart complications. Surgical removal of the extra toes is a preferred method by some owners, reducing the risk of infection or injury.
Does it affect the balance or hunting abilities of the Maine Coon?
Polydactyl cats were famous centuries ago for their amazing hunting abilities. The extra toes helped cats to have better balance and agility. Sailors especially desired these types of cats on board as they were considered lucky and known for their ability to control rats.
Polydactyl cats are not as common as they used to be, but a growing trend has made them more popular, and breeders no longer intentionally eliminate them. If this continues for a few decades, the offspring of these polydactyl cats may learn to use their extra toes more effectively, and perhaps humanity will witness some things that are considered impossible for a cat today.
Wrap-Up
The Maine Coon is adaptable to various personalities and lifestyles, willingly accepting attention but not dependent on it. They are known for being agile hunters, so having a Maine Coon around will keep mice out of your home. Owning a polydactyl Maine Coon or any other cat breed requires responsibility, ensuring their needs are met, including occasional check-ups on their extra toes.
