Polydactylism

Cats usually have five toes on their front paws, and four on their back paws. The fifth toe on the front paws is actually a "dewclaw", a toe which doesn't touch the ground.  Polydactylism is a trait that is simply a genetic variation, occurring naturally where cats have at least one extra toe.  Generally, it doesn't cause problems physically for the cats, although there are exceptions. Messybeast.com has some great information on this trait, which can be found here.  These cats are sometimes called "Hemingway Cats" after the author, whose own population of cats in Key West bred with a polydactyl cat, with a resulting population of many cats born with this feature. Sailors brought cats with the trait with them from England to the colonies, believing they were superior mousers, and would bring luck on their long voyages.  Polydactylism is more common on the east coast of the United States, lending credence to this theory.  In some shelter and feral populations the incidence of polydactyly is often higher than 10%.

Studies have proven that Polydactyly is a dominant gene; if at least one of the parents has the trait, then the offspring have a good chance of inheriting it.  If the trait appears in the rear paws, then it also is evident in the front paws, although occasionally it is subtle enough that it can only be detected through xrays.

Peso, one of my most recent fosters was polydactyl, as was another of her five siblings.  This female had true hind dewclaws on both feet. The photo shows the underside of the rear paw, with the dewclaw apparently attached only with soft tissue.  There is a non-retractable claw, and a pad.  The problem with this type of dewclaw is that the claw can easily become caught on something, and the entire dewclaw can be torn.  We are currently looking to have these removed in order to prevent this from happening; a procedure done fairly easily and painlessly while still a young kitten.





Polydactyl cats are endearing to watch; some of them develop the ability to utilize extra dexterity afforded by their condition!















Photo from:icanhas.cheezburger.com/lolcats/