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Polydactyl Cats Not So Rare
Cats with six or more toes, called polydactyls, are more common than you may think.
J. Veronika Kiklevich, DVM

Q. My boss found a stray cat that was apparently dropped off around his home. He is unable to keep the cat, so I took in the 3-month-old kitten. I currently have two domestic shorthairs that are 4 years old. They are having a hard time adjusting to the new cat. The stray kitten is dark gray, with white frosting on her paws and chest area. The peculiar thing is this kitten has six toes on all but one foot. She also has a very short, blunt facial profile with yellow-green eyes and a short, stocky body. 

Is this an inbred cat or is she a rare breed? My aunt claims there is a rare purebred with six toes, but I cannot find information on it.

A. While you indeed might have a rare breed of cat, the fact that she has six toes does not confirm she is a purebred. Polydactyl refers to cats with multiple toes, which is an inherited trait in many cats not specific to one breed in particular. The blunt facial profile may suggest some Persian, Himalayan or Burmese could be in her background. This little kitty is fortunate to be a new member of your loving home. Remember to introduce her slowly to your other cats. Using a behavior modifier/diffuser in their common space may help with a smooth introductory period.

Posted: Thu Feb 17 00:00:00 PST 2005

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Polydactyl Cats Not So Rare

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Reader Comments
we have a black male polydactyl his name is itebit we love him he has a stub tail and he is a lover. I would love to find a female to keep this rare thing going and to give it a good home.
linda, bern, KS
Posted: 1/13/2009 9:02:50 AM
I have had two polydactyl cats. Currently I have a male marmalade tabby named Mittens for his front paws that look just like mittens. He has two "thumbs" on each forepaw. They seem to make him a better mouser.
Rebecca, Newton, IL
Posted: 9/25/2008 8:04:30 AM
I have seen them at the shelter but only once
Janet, bethlehem, PA
Posted: 3/3/2008 4:52:43 AM
I am always looking for information on the "Polydactyl" cats. I have a neutered male with six (6) toes on each paw. His name is Homer and he has long beautiful orange hair. I don't know about all of them, but Homer is the most lovable, devoted, and the smartest cat I have ever had. He's also quite the comedian. I feel very lucky to have Homer. He is now 8 years old and I would love to find another one. When Homer was a kitten, he looked like " all feet." It was so funny to see this small kitten with the enormous paws. Homer is extremely smart and so well behaved. I am very lucky to have Homer in my life. I must say, he has given me years of laughter and fun. I have a pool and I thought cats did not like water, but Homer is a great swimmer and loves to play in the water.
Cathy, Chula Vista, CA
Posted: 3/25/2007 3:41:49 PM
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