Polydactyl cats have always fascinated cat lovers worldwide. These unique felines possess a genetic anomaly that results in the formation of more than the usual number of toes on their paws. While many polydactyl cats have one or two extra toes, the world record-holder is Paws, as they have a grand total of 28 toes! Keep reading as we introduce you to this amazing cat and fill you in on other interesting facts about polydactyl felines.
A polydactyl cat possesses more toes on their paws than the typical number seen in most cats. While the average cat has five toes on their front feet and four on their hind feet, polydactyl cats have extra digits, resulting in more toes. This condition is a genetic anomaly and can manifest in different ways. For example, some polydactyl cats may have extra toes on all four paws, while others may have extra toes on only their front or hind feet. The term “polydactyl” originates from the Greek words, “poly,” meaning “many,” and “daktylos,” meaning “digits” or “toes.” Polydactyly is not limited to cats; it can occur in other animals, including humans, but it is particularly prevalent and well-known in cats.
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Are Polydactyl Cats Healthy?
Polydactyl cats are generally healthy and experience no adverse effects due to having extra toes. In fact, some people believe that the additional digits enhance their agility and dexterity, enabling them to perform remarkable feats with their paws. Due to their unique and captivating appearance, polydactyl cats are often celebrated and cherished by cat lovers worldwide. They have become symbols of uniqueness and individuality, representing the diversity within the feline species.
The Remarkable Journey of Paws the Polydactyl Cat
Paws, the world-record polydactyl cat, has a fascinating story. A young man named Walter found Paws on a maple syrup farm near Cokato, Minnesota, and he noticed that she had three extra toes on each foot. In total, Paws has 28 toes and is tied for the Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat with Jake, another cat with 28 toes that entered the record books on September 24, 2002. The cat’s owner, Jeanne Martin, says that Paws’s paws resemble catcher’s mitts and that she loves belly rubs. Another interesting fact about Paws is that she likes to say “hello,” especially when she goes to the groomer to get her nails trimmed.
Paw’s Influence on Polydactyl Cats
Paws’s fame has raised awareness about polydactyl cats and their uniqueness in the feline world. Many people who were previously unaware of this genetic anomaly have become intrigued and educated about the subject. As a result, Paws has become an ambassador for polydactyl cats, breaking stereotypes and promoting acceptance of their distinctive characteristics.
How Many Toes Do Normal Cats Have?
Most cats have 18 toes, five on each front foot and four on each back foot. Paws has three extra toes on each foot, so she has 28 toes total. Polydactyl cats can have a wide range of extra toes on their paws. While some may have just one or two extra digits, others can have seven or more. The additional toes’ number, size, and functionality can vary greatly between individual cats.
Are There Other Polydactyl Cats?
Yes, besides Paws, there is Jake, the original title holder with 28 toes, which won the record in 2002. Another cat named Tigger also had 28 toes but died before Guinness World Records could verify it. Besides these cats, many others possess additional toes. In fact, author Ernest Hemingway loved polydactyl cats after a ship captain gave him one, and he kept many of them. After he died, the cats continued to live on his property, and today, there are about 50 descendants still living, and nearly half are polydactyl.
Polydactyl cats are more common in certain geographic regions, such as coastal areas of North America. This is likely due to them being carried around on ships.
Polydactylism is a genetic mutation that cats can inherit, which means that if one parent is polydactyl, there is a higher chance that their offspring will inherit the trait.
The additional toes of polydactyl cats can increase stability and balance, particularly when climbing or walking on uneven surfaces.
In some cultures, polydactyl cats symbolize good luck and prosperity.
Image Credit: Sel_Sanders, Shutterstock
Summary
Paws is a remarkable polydactyl cat that ties the world record with Jake for the most toes on a cat. With an astonishing 28 toes, Paws has captured the attention and admiration of cat lovers worldwide. She is friendly, loves belly rubs, and can even say “hello.” Most importantly, she has helped raise awareness about polydactyl cats so more people can enjoy their uniqueness.
Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. When he’s not writing, Ed is usually performing DIY projects around the house or working in the garden. He’s also a musician and spends a lot of time helping people fix their guitars and composing music for independent films.
