Many Maine Coons have six toes.
Experts estimate as many as 40% of early Maine Coons were polydactyls, which some people said helped the cats use their paws as “natural snowshoes” during snowy Maine winters.
What is a Polydactyl Maine Coon?
Globally, one of the most favored cat breeds is the Polydactyl Maine Coon. However, you might be surprised to learn that some Maine coons are born with polydactylism, or extra toes, a rare genetic trait. These are also known as the “Hemmingway Cat”.
A dominant gene in cats causes polydactylism, which can be passed down to progeny. For the gene to be present in kittens, it needs to be present in at least one parent. That being said, there’s no assurance that a polydactyl cat will produce polydactyl kittens.
More Maine Coons than any other breed of cat exhibit polydactylism; however, not all Maine Coons are polydactyl.
A typical cat’s paws have four on the back and five on each of the front. The maximum number of extra toes a polydactyl Maine Coon can have on each paw is two. The kitten has the maximum number of toes that a Polydactyl can have, which is seven on both front paws and six on each back paw, if you notice a note stating that he is 7/7/6/6.
Caring for a Polydactyl Maine Coon
Fortunately, maintaining the health of a polydactyl cat’s paws is simple as long as you keep an eye out for any issues or injuries.
- examining each paw to check for cuts on the pads or anything lodged between the toes.
- Regular nail trimming will keep their nails from growing too long, becoming embedded, and hurting them.
- To keep their claws healthy and naturally worn down, give them lots of toys and scratching posts.
- Keep an eye on your cat’s activity level and give their toes a routine check and cleaning.
In general, routine veterinary care and ensuring a polydactyl cat can function normally are important for their health.
A polydactyl Maine coon is a Maine coon with additional toes and all other characteristics. This term refers to multiple toes, and the extra-large paws are known by the nickname “double-paws” since they are typically twice as wide. Although they go by the nickname “snowshoe cat” because they can move through snow more readily, they are most commonly referred to as polys.
The polydactyl dominate gene in Maine Coons is a natural anomaly that is simple autosomal, meaning it is not connected to a dominant gene. The Pd gene is a benign genetic characteristic that shouldn’t be connected to any other abnormalities. For this reason, in order to have a polydactyl kitten, you need to have polydactyl parents. The polydactyl gene in Maine Coon cats has not been shown to have any negative effects. Numerous scientific studies have revealed that the polydactyl Maine Coon is a more desirable characteristic for the working breed’s vigor and health. The genetic lines of many non-polydactyl Maine Coons include a polydactyl member, and breeding these polydactyl cats is still widely acknowledged as purebred. They can be registered with any official cat association. All polydactyl Maine Coons can be identified in a pedigree by looking over it, as they will all have a P. somewhere in the name.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Maine Coon and a polydactyl Maine Coon?
What percentage of Maine Coons are polydactyl?
What breed of cat is most polydactyl?
Do all Maine Coons have thumbs?