While Sasquatch-sized pieds may appear awkward in a youngster, cats are marvels at coping. As they grow up, their feet appear more proportionally correct, they lose their clumsiness and, more often than not, their oversized feet become their claim to fame.
Ernest Hemingway's Estate is Home to Polydactyl Cat Colony
The name of this condition is "polydactyl" and these cats enjoy a long and interesting history. Perhaps the most famous aficionado was the late Ernest Hemingway who was presented with a five-toed cat by a sea captain in the 1950's. Following Hemingway's death in 1961, his Key West, Florida estate continues to teem with multi-toed felines. The estate is now a museum that has become a must-see holiday destination for cat fans from around the world.
Possible Toe Tally: 28 Plus "Thumbs"
A non-polydactyl cat boasts four toes on the front feet and four on the rear plus an additional toe on each foot which is set apart much like a human thumb. Polydactyl cats claim as many as seven toes plus "thumb" on each foot. The most common has extra toes only on the front feet. Extra toes only on the rear are most rare.
There is another condition called "Feline Radial Hypoplasia" which may cause the cat to appear polydactyl but is actually extra joints in the toes.
What's in a Name? Mitten, Thumb, Hemingway, Boston and Skipscatt
Polydactyl cats come in all shapes and sizes and are thought to be most common in Britain and the east coast of North America. Affectionately known as "mitten cats or "thumb cats," many people now refer to them as "Hemingway cats." Since it is a genetic trait, some areas are more heavily populated than others. Boston, Mass., for instance, has welcomed polydactyls since the 17th century when British sailors brought them over on their ships. Later, generations of offspring have led to Boston's ranking of #1 in polydactyl population. In fact, in the U.S. north-east coast area, polydactyls are known as "Boston cats."
Sailors around the world have long believed that polydactyls are the best mousers and they also ensure good luck in ocean crossings. In Norway, they're known as "skipscatt" or "ship cat."
Maine Coon Cat is Popular Polydactyl
The original Maine coon cat population includes a large pool of polydactyls. Official breed standards do not allow for it in breeding programs so breeders have all but eliminated it from their lines. But unregistered coon cats continue to propagate with many sporting the extra toes of their ancestors. Legend has it that the original coon cats needed the extra toes to help them navigate frozen seaside terrain, catching fish and even bringing the leftovers home for the humans!
Modern day owners of these special cats may not agree that their kitties are particularly lucky or operate as particularly good mousers. And they would probably be shocked if their cat presented them with fishy leftovers for dinner. But they're just as intelligent and delightful as any member of the feline set. Their extra toes are a bonus.
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