Polydactyl cats are cats with more than the usual number of toes on their paws. While most cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws, polydactyl cats can have up to seven toes on each paw. The condition is relatively common and can be found in cats all around the world.
Polydactylism is caused by a genetic mutation, which can be inherited from a cat's parents. While it is possible for a polydactyl cat to pass the gene onto their offspring, not all polydactyl cats have polydactyl kittens. It is also possible for a non-polydactyl cat to carry the gene and have polydactyl kittens.
Polydactyl cats are not a specific breed of cat, but rather a genetic variation that can be found in many different breeds and types of cats. In fact, there are many famous polydactyl cats, including some of the cats that have lived at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida.
While having extra toes may not seem like a big deal, polydactyl cats may require special care and attention. Some polydactyl cats may have toes that grow in an awkward position or may have difficulty grooming themselves, so it's important to keep their paws clean and trimmed. Additionally, some airlines may consider polydactyl cats to be a breed of cat that requires special handling and may require additional fees for transporting them.
Overall, polydactyl cats are a unique and interesting variation of our feline friends. While they may require some extra care, they are just as lovable and affectionate as any other cat.
