"Polydactyly" means "many fingers."
Most cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on each of their back paws. Polydactyl cats have extra toes on at least one paw due to a natural genetic mutation. "Polydactyly" comes from the Greek words for "many fingers," and while this inherited condition varies from cat to cat, there may be up to three extra toes on any given paw. Though polydactyly does not seem to offer any major physical benefits, the history and uniqueness of polydactyl cats are advantages in making them an attractive choice as a pet.
Unusual Appearance
Though polydactyl cats are not uncommon, some owners and cat-lovers prize them for their unusual appearance. There are even some cat breeders who focus on raising polydactyl cats for sale because of their uniqueness. This practice is controversial, however, because of the already excessive cat population.
Interesting History
One of the greatest advantages polydactyl cats have over other "normal" cats is their interesting and remarkable history. According to the July 2007 issue of "Catnip," the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine newsletter, the polydactyl cats currently in the United States may be descendants of felines who came to America with English Puritans in the 1600s. The newsletter also states that it is possible that the polydactyl population is smaller in Europe because many of the cats were killed out of superstition centuries ago.
Famous Polydactyl Cats and Owners
Ernest Hemingway is the most famous polydactyl cat enthusiast, which is why these cats are sometimes referred to as "Hemingway cats." The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is currently home to around 60 cats, half of which are polydactyl. Some of these cats are descendants of a six-toed cat given to Hemingway by a ship's captain. President Theodore Roosevelt also reportedly owned a polydactyl cat named Slippers, who was one of the first cats to reside in the White House.
Good Luck
Some people believe that polydactyl cats bring good luck. Supposedly, early sailors heading to America were some of the first proponents of this belief, and brought polydactyl cats along for the journey from England. These sailors thought that not only would the cats provide good luck, but that they had advanced ability to catch mice and to maintain their balance. Norwegians even refer to polydactyl cats as "ship's cats."
Improved Dexterity?
According to Sarah Hartwell of MessyBeast.com, some people claim that the extra toes of a polydactyl cat allow greater dexterity. Hartwell also describes folk tales in some areas of the country which maintain that polydactyl cats are expert hunters and fishers, and have even been known to walk more easily in snow than normal cats. Despite these claims, there is no real evidence that polydactyly offers a physical advantage. At the same time, there is no evidence that polydactyl cats face any major disadvantages, either.
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