Skip to main content

Polydactyl cats: Everything you should know about these unusual pets

Get the facts on polydactyl cats, a condition that's not as rare as you think

Two kittens in basket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Polydactyl cats: The term sounds exotic — almost like it should be used to describe an amphibian. The unusual term is fitting for something of an odd condition.

Recommended Videos

A polydactyl cat has a congenital physical anomaly. In layperson’s terms, this means that a cat is born with the condition. They can’t suddenly develop the condition.

The condition causes the cat to have more toes than usual on one or more of their feet. Cats usually have 18 digits or toes: Five on each of the front two paws and four on each of the back two. A cat typically inherits the trait. You may be alarmed if you have a polydactyl cat or notice a kitten with too many toes. Are they in danger? Is this condition common? Here’s what to know about the polydactyl cat, including their health outlook.

Are polydactyl cats rare?

A polydactyl cat’s condition may be considered an anomaly, but they’re not rare, particularly in certain areas of the world: Western England, Wales, Canada, and the Eastern U.S. It’s unclear how many polydactyl cats exist, though the condition is genetic. If a parent has the condition, a kitten could, too. There are three types of polydactyl cats:

  • Preaxial: This type is the most common and means that a cat has extra toes that may resemble a thumb.
  • Postaxial. The cat has extra toes on the outside of the paw (the pinky side).
  • Mesoaxial. This type of polydactyl cat is the least common and occurs when a cat has extra toes in the middle of the paw.
Maine Coon cat
Sergei Wing / Unsplash

What breeds of cats are polydactyl?

Any cat breed can be polydactyl, but Maine Coon cats may have greater odds of having more digits. Not all cats with parents that have the gene will become polydactyl. The parents also don’t have to have the condition to create a polydactyl kitty. However, the gene exists somewhere in the kitten’s lineage, and it’s far more likely to occur in cats with at least one polydactyl parent.

What causes polydactyl cats?

Polydactyl cats have a condition caused by a dominant gene mutation. A gene mutation affects a cat’s DNA, creating something different — and extra toes are certainly different.

Typically, pet parents will see extra toes on the front paws, and it’s not typical for every foot to have additional digits. You might see as many as nine toes on a paw. The record for total toes is 28, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The mark is held by Jake, a male ginger tabby cat who lived in Bonfield, Ontario, Canada, with proud parents Michelle and Paul Contant. His vet counted all 28 digits in 2002.

Stray cat at the vet
Okssi / Shutterstock

What is the life expectancy of a polydactyl cat?

Polydactyl cats don’t have a different life span than cats with the usual number of toes. On average, both types live 15 years if they stay indoors, though it varies by breed and other health conditions.

The biggest issue fur parents of polydactyl cats will likely have is trimming nails. Cats usually don’t like nails trimmed, to begin with, so the faster a person can go, the better. You might consider pawning it off on a veterinarian or groomer (though cats aren’t always a fan of either of those, let alone the car, bus, or train rides to get there).

If you count more than 18 digits on your feline friend, have your vet take a look. Even though polydactyl cats can live healthy lives, radial hypoplasia is another reason a cat may have extra toes. It is also inherited. These toes present right next to the normal toes and cause large, flat feet. Cats with this condition can also live every day, happy lives but may be a bit shaky. A cat parent and veterinarian will want to monitor it throughout a kitty’s life.

You can help your polydactyl cat live a happy life by:

  • Attending regular vet checkups
  • Staying up to date on vaccinations
  • Administering monthly preventatives
  • Leaving out plenty of water
  • Feeding them a healthy diet of mostly cat food
  • Keeping toxic food, plants, and household items out of reach
  • Having your cat stay indoors, where they are safe from cars and predators
  • Providing opportunities for physical and mental enrichment, like cat trees, wand toys, and crinkle balls
  • Grinning and bearing it as you clip their nails (or paying someone else to do the dirty work)

Polydactyl cats have extra toes. Though the condition may seem strange, it’s not that uncommon. It’s an inherited gene mutation, so cats with polydactyl parents are likelier to have the condition. Don’t worry if you notice too many toes on your cat. Polydactyl cats can live normal, healthy lives and don’t have a shorter life span than their non-polydactyl peers.

Have your vet check out their feet to make sure everything checks out and that it’s not a flag of another condition. Otherwise, treat your kitty the way you would any other. Provide plenty of love, food, water, and enrichment. Cutting toenails will be slightly less fun (or more if you enjoy being hissed at), but you can always pass the buck — that’s what groomers and your neighborhood veterinarians are for.

BethAnn Mayer
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Beth Ann's work has appeared on healthline.com and parents.com. In her spare time, you can find her running (either marathons…
Are cats lactose intolerant? Here’s what you need to know
How to feed your cat dairy products without upsetting their stomach
Older kitten in a yard drinking out of a bowl of milk

You've surely seen those old-time drawings of kittens drinking from saucers of milk. Even movies and modern media tell stories of kindhearted folks who leave out milk for outdoor cats! It's common knowledge that kittens drink their mother's milk, so why shouldn't they be able to drink cow's milk out of the fridge?

It turns out that milk and cream may not be as nutritious to felines as we previously thought. Many cats develop a love of dairy items like cheese and butter, so is it really bad to feed your cat these items? Are cats lactose intolerant? Before you feed your cat dairy, it's important to understand how his body works and what effect dairy can have on it. That way, you can choose food and treats that support your cat's health and nutrition.
Are cats lactose intolerant?

Read more
How to treat ringworm in cats safely and effectively
Effective treatments for cats with ringworm
Orange cat scratching an itchy spot on its neck

If you ever notice irritated skin or hair loss on your cat, your first thought might be that your cat has fleas. That could be the case, but it's also possible that a bout of ringworm is to blame. Ringworm can be both irritating and uncomfortable for your cat, and it can also spread to people and other pets in your home. Therefore, it's crucial to identify and treat ringworm in your cat as soon as possible. Prompt treatment can help minimize or prevent ringworm in cats, allowing your cat to feel comfortable and happy again quickly.
What is ringworm in cats?

Ringworm might sound like a worm or parasite, but it's actually a fungal infection that affects your cat's skin and hair. Several types of fungi can cause ringworm infections, and these fungi can also infect humans, dogs, and other cats.

Read more
Can cats eat apples? What’s safe and what’s not
How to prepare apples for cats
Fluffy cat looking at table of apples

It's essential to feed your cat a nutritionally complete diet, but you have a lot more leeway when it comes to cat treats. Meals should make up most of your feline friend's diet, so the treats you choose don't have to be as nutritious and filling. Treats are for enjoyment and rewards! Many human foods are safe to share with your cat as treats and some are toxic, but it can be hard to remember what's on the list.
If you've ever wondered, "Can cats eat apples?" you're not alone. After all, fresh fruits are an essential component of a balanced diet for people, so is it the same for cats? Let's find out!

Can cats eat apples?

Read more