Polydactyl Cats

[annavc]

Just got a new cat (rescued from Battersea and the cutest mog you've ever seen!) and he is a polydactyl cat which means he has extra toes (6 on each of his front paws and 5 on his back paws).  His front paws look like he has opposable thumbs.  I've done some internet searching and found out some interesting stuff about them but I was wondering if anyone else on here has a many-toed mog or if anyone knows anything interesting about them.  I'd be really interested in anything.  Thanks.

[rampart]

I knew a girl with six fingers on each hand, but no cats. I know a guy with four toes, too.

[banth]

My friend used to have a norwegian forest cat(?) which had 6 toes on it's front feet. It was good at climbing.

[zubianne]

In 1972 my mum bought me a tiny black kitten. He had an extra toe on each paw. I loved him to bits, but unfortunately he died quite young of a tumour. I can't tell you anything more about him or his toes, I'm afraid.

[cat woman]

My mam's next door neighbour had a cat with paw's as you discribe, I heard at the time it was because of inter-breeding with the off spring, weather this is true I not sure.   :-)

[Kimmiebear]

Here in Canada it is rumored that most of the multi-toed cats are decendents from a cat that was brought over by an amish man. Hence the name, amish toed cats. There are a few cats at work with extra digits, and they get on just fine.... even if their feet look a little funny.

[Polly Dactyl]

I've got two darling polydactyl cats who were found abandoned 5 years ago.  The male has five toes on all four feet (with the front paws sporting the fifth toe as an opposable thumb (he is tabby with white accents) and my female has six toes on all four feet (she is siamesey looking with white accents).  They are smart, loving, great tree climbers and as clumsy as possible.  I've had cats my whole life and these two are complete klutzes, which I am assuming is an effect of the extra toes...they have a hard time maintaining their balance on slim branches or the thin rim of a bathroom sink, for instance.  One would think that extra toes would help, but in their case it seems to have the reverse effect.  However, it does make them extremely amusing to watch.  You'll love your new kitty.  We live in California and send you warm wishes.