Polydactyl cat

A polydactyl cat displaying its extra toes.

Polydactyly in cats, also known as polydactylism, is a genetic mutation that causes cats to be born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of their paws. Cats normally have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws, making a total of eighteen. However, a polydactyl cat can have as many as eight toes on a single paw, leading to a total count that may exceed the normal eighteen.

Characteristics

Polydactyl cats exhibit a variety of toe configurations. The extra toes can appear on any of the paws, but most commonly affect the front paws. The condition does not typically cause any health issues for the cat and is considered to be merely a physical anomaly. Despite the unusual appearance of their paws, polydactyl cats are able to walk, run, and climb as efficiently as cats with a normal toe count.

Genetics

The trait for polydactyly is inherited and is believed to be caused by a dominant gene with incomplete penetrance. This means that not all cats that carry the gene will express the trait. The gene responsible for polydactyly in cats is not linked to any known health problems, making it a purely cosmetic variation.

History and folklore

Polydactyl cats have been popular for centuries, especially among sailors who believed that the extra toes gave these cats better balance on ships, thus making them excellent hunters and good luck charms. The most famous polydactyl cats lived at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, where a colony of the descendants of Hemingway's original polydactyl cat, Snowball, still resides.

Distribution

While polydactyl cats can be found worldwide, they are particularly prevalent in certain geographic locations, such as the eastern United States and southwestern England. The high occurrence in these areas is likely due to the selective breeding of ship cats in historical times.

Cultural significance

Polydactyl cats are often celebrated for their uniqueness and have a special place in popular culture. They are featured in literature, art, and social media, where they are admired for their distinctive appearance and charming personalities.

See also

• Cat anatomy
• Genetic mutation
• Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

References

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