What Is a Polydactyl Cat? The Complete Guide to Cats With Extra Toes

A polydactyl cat is a domestic cat born with extra toes due to a genetic mutation. You may have heard of them as “mitten cats” or “thumb cats”. Most cats have 18 toes (5 front, 4 back) but polydactyl cats can have as many as 20-28 toes.

This mutation is usually harmless and it is not considered a disease. In fact, polydactyl cats are actually quite popular among owners due to the curiosity factor. In this guide, we will look closely at cats with extra toes and help you understand all there is to know about them.

What Does “Polydactyl” Mean

It’s easy to understand what the word means when you break it down into its component parts. “Poly” means many and “dactyl” means digits, or toes in this case. Thus, a polydactyl cat is any cat born with more than the normal amount of toes on its feet.

Any cat can be born polydactyl. The word is a scientific term, nothing to do with breeds or species. Many people know polydactyl cats by other colloquial names like:

• Mitten cats

• Thumb cats

Generally speaking, there is no cause for concern with the extra toes mutation in cats.

What Causes Polydactyl Cats?

Polydactyly in cats is a result of a genetic mutation - specifically, an autosomal dominant gene. Only one parent needs the gene for the kittens to inherit it. If one of the parents is polydactyl, there is a 40-50% chance of it being passed on.

Polydactyl cats are never the result of environmental or dietary conditions. This genetic mutation happens in other animals too, including:

• Dogs

• Mice

• Even humans

The mutation is particularly common in Maine Coon and Pixie-bob breeds, but it can occur in any cat with polydactyl cat genetics.

How Many Toes Does a Polydactyl Cat Have?

In standard cat anatomy, domestic cats have 18 toes in total. This means 5 toes on each back foot and 4 on each front foot. In polydactyl cats, the number varies - typically, they have 20-24 toes, but there are rare cases where the number reaches 28.

Polydactyly in cats most commonly affects the front paws. It is less common on the back paws, but it does happen. Usually it manifests like this:

• Front paws: 5 → 6-7 toes

• Back paws: 4 → 5-6 toes

The world record for the most toes on a cat is 28, jointly held by two cats: a ginger tabby from Ontario, Canada, and a cat from Minnesota, USA.

What Do Polydactyl Cat Paws Look Like?

Polydactyl cat paws have a “thumb-like” appearance, which is why they are often known as thumb cats or mitten cats. Some of the extra toes are fully formed and usable, while others may be smaller and non-functional.

The extra toes may be clustered or spread around the paw. There are anecdotal reports that the extra digits are helpful for cats with grip and climbing, but mitten cat paws have not been studied in any detail.

Are Polydactyl Cats Rare?

Around the world, polydactyl cats are quite rare, but not extremely. You are more likely to see them in North America, especially in areas around the East Coast. In the UK, they are less common, but still seen quite regularly.

Historically, there are records of them noted in different cultures. In the West, sailors believed they brought good luck and kept them on ships for extra protection on long voyages.

Famous Polydactyl Cats

Mitten cats are quite commonly associated with the famous author Ernest Hemingway. Famously, he owned many polydactyl cats that he kept in Key West. Many of their descendents still live at his former home.

This association has led to the nickname “Hemingway cats” for many people. Culturally, they are valued for their uniqueness and often seen as a sign of good luck due to their rarity.

Are Polydactyl Cats a Specific Breed?

Polydactyl cats are not a specific breed - their condition is a genetic trait. However, as mentioned, they occur more commonly is specific breeds, such as:

• Maine Coon

Pixie-bob

This is because selective breeding has historically encouraged this trait. However, any domestic can can be polydactyl if it possesses the necessary genetic mutation.

Do Polydactyl Cats Have Health Problems?

The vast majority of polydactyl cats live completely normal, healthy lives. The mutation has no impact on their lifespan, so polydactyly is not considered harmful in cats.

With that being said, there are a few rare issues that owners should be aware of:

• Ingrown claws

• Nail overgrowth due to unusual positioning

• Occasional deformities (very rare)

If you are the owner of a polydactyl cat, you are likely to get interest from anyone who finds out about it. Apart from increased attention, most polydactyl cats experience no unusual problems related to their mutation.

How to Care For a Polydactyl Cat

Generally speaking, caring for a polydactyl cat is much the same as caring for any other cats. However, it helps to have some guidance on how to keep them healthy, and there may be some additional care needs relating to their additional digits. Let’s look at the details.

Nail and Paw Care

It is usually recommended that you trim a mitten cat’s claws regularly - this is a little more important than with average cats. General guidance states that you should do this every 2-4 weeks, depending on growth.

When you do it, look for things like hidden or awkwardly-positioned nails.

General Care

Caring for a polydactyl cat is similar to to caring for any other type of cat:

• There is no special diet

• Grooming and activity should be normal

• Regular vet checks as standard

If the toes are unusually formed, you may want to monitor the cat’s mobility. Other than that, there are no major additional concerns with mitten cats.

Do Extra Toes Give Cats an Advantage?

You will likely come across claims that the extra digits give cats better balance or stronger grip when climbing. These claims are mostly anecdotal - there are no major studies that prove or disprove them.

Nevertheless, many owners are adamant that there are advantages of polydactyl cats with regards to increased dexterity.

Should You Be Concerned If Your Cat Has Extra Toes?

In the vast majority of cases, cats having extra toes is not  cause for concern. Most polydactyl cats live normal, healthy lives. However, there are some things to watch for that might need veterinary attention, such as:

• Signs of pain

• Difficulty walking

• Abnormal nail growth

It is rare for polydactyly to cause problems for cats. When they do, it is usually minor and easily manageable.

Key Facts About Polydactyl Cats

Let’s have a quick recap to sum up everything you need to know about polydactyl cats:

• It is a genetic trait, not a disease

• They can have up to 28 toes, though usually 20-24

• It is usually harmless

• Polydactyly is not-breed-specific - any cat can have the mutation

• In some cases, polydactyl cats might require extra nail care

Now you know everything, we hope you feel reassured and able to enjoy lots of happy times with your mitten cat.