A Polydactyl Cat Has 5, 6 or even 7 Toes on Each Paw

Polydactyly in cats is caused by a dominant gene, which means it only takes one copy for the trait to appear.

Most cats have 18 toes: five toes on each front paw and four on each hind paw. But polydactyl cats may have extra digits, sometimes even up to seven toes on a single paw.

These extra claws and wider paw pads can make it look like the cat is wearing mittens, especially on the front paws. While less common, some also have extra toes on their back paws.

The word "polydactyl" comes from the Greek words for "many fingers." This genetic abnormality influences how a cat's limbs form in the womb, leading to extra toes or extra "fingers." Often, it creates a thumb-like structure that sets them apart from regular cats.

While polydactyly mostly affects the front feet, some cats have it on all four paws.

Polydactyly is a dominant trait, which means that if one parent has the polydactyl gene, about half of the offspring could be polydactyl too. This gene has traveled far and wide, historically spreading through seafaring cats in northern Europe and eastern North America.

Ernest Hemingway had a fondness for polydactyl cats, and the term "Hemingway cats" refers to their many descendants living at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.

The writer received his first six-toed cat from a ship's captain, a nod to the historical belief that polydactyl cats were lucky and had better hunting abilities at sea.

Today, polydactyl kittens born to those original cats still roam the Hemingway estate. The American polydactyl has since become a well-known term for these charismatic cats.

Polydactyl cats aren't restricted to a specific breed, but they're more common in certain cat breeds like Maine Coon cats. Known for their shaggy coats and tufted ears, Maine Coons already look distinctive, and polydactyl paws only add to their charm.

While non-polydactyl cats have the usual number of toes, polydactyl cats offer a natural variation that doesn't generally lead to health issues.

With proper nail care to manage overgrown nails, polydactyl cats live healthy lives and enjoy a normal life expectancy. A small animal veterinarian can help trim cat's nails and monitor any concerns related to bone structure or extra digits.

A cat’s hind paws, which normally have four toes, can develop five or more toes due to polydactyly, but this doesn't significantly alter the cat’s gait or gripping ability. In terms of veterinary medicine, they’re usually treated just like any other feline; they just need a bit more attention to those extra nails.

The Guinness World Record for the cat with the most toes goes to Jake, who has 28 toes — seven toes on each paw. That’s far from the usual number of 18 and showcases just how far this trait can go.

Some orange tabby polydactyls with unique toe configurations are especially popular online. Whether they're show cats or snugglers, polydactyls offer a distinct charm and functionality with their wide paws.

Beyond their unique look, many cat owners believe polydactyls are more adept at climbing and grabbing (though there's no scientific evidence to support this belief).

Whether you admire the historical first polydactyl cat, marvel at the biology behind the trait or just think your cat looks like it's got built-in snowshoes, there's no denying the appeal of polydactyls.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.