Polydactyl Cats
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Polydactyls have a peaceful and mellow nature
Polydactyls are wonderful companions, and are a constant source of amusement. We currently have 3 polydactyls, but have had upwards of 20 (or more!) running around our house in the past.
Our clan now consists of Tippy, Rocky, and Buddy. Each has their own very distinct personality ranging from mellow and laid back to high-strung and easily frightened.
With a normal cat, you will find that they have four toes and one dewclaw (thumb) on each front paw. On each hind paw, they have four toes.
With Polydactyl cats, they may have as many as seven digits on their front and/or hind paws.
Polydactyl Tidbit
Although some people may see it as a physical deformity, a cat with extra toes (polydactyl) is considered good luck in some cultures.
Our First Polydactyl Experience
We used to live down the street from a small store that my husband and I would frequent often. The kind where they knew you name, and vice versa. They also knew that we were animal people; we already had a couple of cats of our own and had rescued several others.
One day my husband goes to the store, and comes back with this cat. She had shown up at the store not long before my husband did and miscarried a litter of kittens in the aisle . The store owners looked to him not knowing what to do, but fearing that her current owners had something to do with her current condition as they had a history of abusing her.
We took her to the vet and other than being told she'd probably never have another litter, she was given a clean bill of health. We brought her home to recover and she spent the first few weeks curled up in a corner; afraid to come out except to use the litter and eat.
In time, she warmed to us, her injuries healed and she became a part of the family. She turned out to be like any other cat, albeit a bit more social than what you normally see.
And she had 7 toes; something I had never seen before!
Toes, toes .... and more toes!
Polydactyl Mama
It turns out that vet was wrong! Two years after coming to live with us, Princess gives birth to her first litter of kittens.
By this time, she had grown to trust us completely so it was no surprise that she chose to have them under my desk in our living room. My husband and I were right there, cheering her on.
Taking Care Of A Polydactyl
Polydactyl cats are much like any other cat in terms of needs, health concerns, socialization and grooming requirements.
Read About Cat Care
Taking a Break
Nail Care
The majority of polydactyl cats will require no special care to their nails other than to have them trimmed on a monthly basis.
However; there will be some that will need special care given to avoid having the nails curling into the pad. If they have no use of their "thumb", you tend to see this more as they can't sharpen them.
Finishing Touch Guillotine Nail Clipper for Cats
Amazon Price: (as of 06/03/2012)
Cost efficient, and they do a good job! We use these to trim our cats' nails.
Nail Clippers For Cats
Want A Polydactyl?
Where you can look for your own
This seems to be a popular question for those who are wanting to get their own polydactyl, so I thought I would elaborate on the subject a little bit.
There are a couple of options available for you, and these are all places that I've used in the past when it came time to find a forever home for our kittens.
I suggest you check the following:
Craigslist ~ Kijiji ~ Petfinder
Search Terms:
Polydactyl
extra toes
Prices will vary depending upon the site. I have seen people who give them away, or ask for a small re-homing fee.
I have also seen the complete opposite, especially from breeders of polydactyls.
With breeders, you can expect to pay upwards of $150, or more.
Note: This is by no means an endorsement of any breeder. I'm including it for informational purposes only. Do your research!
Polydactyl Breeders:
Arkansas
Pat McCulley, 894 Polk 63, Mena, AR. 71953.
Phone (501) 394-6520.
Oregon
Tammy Daane, the Bigfoot Farms.
Email tdaane@cybcon.com
Toni Peterson also offers poly kittens in Oregon.
Email (toni@appaloosas.com) for new litters and pictures.
Nebraska
Karen Allen, Ranch22 Polydactyls.
Email ranch22@alltel.net
Address: 2104 Kenosha Rd., Murray, NE 68409.
Phone: (402)235-2664
Texas
Karma Farms
Website: Karma Kats
Email: karmafarms@marshalltx.com
Phone: (903) 935-9980
T-P Ranch- email: tpranch@marshalltx.com
Website: T-P Ranch Kittens
Gretchen Patterson occasionally has poly kittens.
Phone:(903) 938-2908. Leave message.
Polydactyl Resources
- American Polydactyl
Detailed information and pet care on the American Polydactyl, also known as Hemingway Cat, Mitten Cat, Boston Cats, plus photos, breeders, registries, clubs, and more.
- Polydactyl Cats
Different Types of Polydactyly in Cats
- Hemingway Home & Museum
Hemingway Home Museum, Key West Florida, cats webpage
Gifts For Polydactyl Cat Lovers
Do You Like Polydactyl Cats?
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Frischy
Dec 3, 2011 @ 10:02 am | delete
- My cat, Mog, is a polydactyl with thumbs on his front paws. I have been writing some lenses about him. He has been home with us 2 weeks and is doing quite well now.
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mbrownauthor Jun 24, 2011 @ 12:06 pm | delete
- Very interesting! I love ALL cats! Love your pics. Blessed.
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Anna
May 31, 2010 @ 5:33 am | delete
- I have 9 weeks old Black fluffy poly kitten, his name is Mittens and with mittens look like paws :) Here in UK they usualy want remove extra toes but I dont let them no way :) He was first up and wondering around from his litter and is just most amazing kitten I ever had.. lap cat for sure :) Sleeping in my hood in my jumper for hours and i can do my work when he have nap there :) I was sure that I will dont keep any kittens from my cat litter but when i seen him i just wanted to have him so much and he did stay :) This website is very useful for people who never had poly before and I want to say THANK YOU for all information.
Is you want and have time maybe you could leave vote for my little poly? http://www.catslikefelix.co.uk/mischief/gallery/default.aspx?imageId=234&catName=Mittens&Location=Northampton&catImg=http://kitten-factor-1.s3.amazonaws.com:80/Gallery/0002829791/234_Edited.jpg
Every vote count :) Thank you
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Jessica B.
Mar 24, 2010 @ 6:37 pm | delete
- Thank you for the insightful post! I've been wanting to get a cat, and a friend from my church offered me a poly that came to her as a stray. I was worried if I would have to consider extra care, but your article has helped me solidify that this little kitty's mine now! :)
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MeltedRachel
Aug 12, 2009 @ 4:47 pm | delete
- They are so adorable with those big paws!
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Macs Bio
by Macs
Hello and welcome! My name is Tammi, but you can call me Tam to keep it simple.
I'm married and currently living in Washington. We have 3 cats and a dog;...
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