POLYDACTYL

Polydactyl cats are cats that have more than the average number of toes. The average cats has 5 toes on each front paw and 4 toes on each back paw. A polydactyl cat have up to 7 toes on the front paw and up to 6 or seven on the back paws or a combination of the above. This characteristics is a natural occurrence in nature. Polydactylism is caused by an autosomal dominate gene (for you science geeks). In layman terms is an inherit trait.

There has been some debt about the toes causing pain or discomfort in the cats. As you can see from the picture this cats is in a lot of pain (not)! I can assure the extra toes does not effect their ability to do anything. It does make it obvious who has been on my kitchen counter!

There has been reported cases of polydactyl cats since the early 1600. They were considered "lucky" by sailors. The sailors believed the cats were great mousers (they do not know my cat, he can't catch his own tail). Another myth was that the extra toes helped the cats balance themselves better at sea.

The trait is not isolated to one breed of cat. It can occur in just about any breed. I have seen the trait in Bengal, Siamese, Mojave, Pixi-Bob and Maine Coon cats. It seems to be more prevalent in the Maine Coon cats. A polydactyl cat will be bigger than most cats. Their legs are more pronounce and they will have a broader chest.

Their temperament is the same as any other cats. I have several cats and my polydactyls interact with my non-polydactyls the same way. My polydactyls do not try to bully the other cats and my other cats could care less that there are cats with 6 toes in the home. So no worries if you decide to purchase a polydactyl and you have a non-polydactyl in the house. They will be fine.

There have been few famous polydactyl in American history. I understand President Bush owns a polydactyl, so maybe there is some hope for him. Then there was Slippers a polydactyl cat own by President Theodore Roosevelt and she lived in the White House. So take that CFA.

Ernest Hemingway, the famous American author own 2 polydactyl. Thanks to him the breed has flourish quite well in Key West, Florida. They are part of the tour and they are just as popular as the home!

These cats are not a new novelty or abnormality. They have rich and distinguish history as any recognize breed of cat. So if you decide to purchase one rest assure they are special and unique and most of loveable.

So as we say at Polyanna,"Polys Rule!"