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The secrets of polydactyl cats
- Les Aristocoons
- Jan 1
- 6 min read
Polydactyly is not a modern invention of breeding; it is a natural mutation that has accompanied the domestic cat for centuries.
🔬 A little bit of genetics
Polydactyly results from an autosomal dominant mutation :
Autosome = the gene is not sex-linked, it can be transmitted by both males and females.
Dominant = a single parent carrier can transmit polydactyly to approximately 50% of their offspring .
The gene is called Pd . It acts on embryonic development, in particular the area called the " zone of polarizing activity " (ZPA), which determines the number of fingers in the fetus.
Wisdom Panel, part of Optimal Selection, has successfully isolated three genes responsible for polydactyly. It is still possible to have a polydactyl cat undergo a DNA test and find that it does not carry copies of these three genes. This does not mean that the cat is not polydactyl, but rather that the gene responsible for its polydactyly has not yet been identified.
Contrary to popular belief, this is an old, stable mutation with no link to serious diseases , unlike other morphological mutations such as the Manx gene which can cause spinal abnormalities.
🌍 Geographical distribution and history
The earliest documented cases date back several centuries, primarily in maritime regions. Polydactyly is thought to have originated in Northern Europe and spread through maritime travel.
English and Scandinavian sailors valued these cats, believing that their large paws gave them better stability on ships. They took them on board as rat hunters but also as good luck charms .
Gradually, these polydactyl cats traveled with sailors to the coasts of England and Ireland . Then to New England (United States, Canada) where they became very common, particularly in the state of Maine in the United States.
This is one of the reasons why polydactyly is so common today in Maine Coons .
✋ Legs seen as "human"
Polydactyl cats could have opposable thumbs or toes arranged in an unusual way. In a time when superstitions were rife, these unusual paws gave the impression that the cat had human hands , capable of grasping or manipulating objects. It was sometimes believed that these cats could help witches prepare potions, open chests, or manipulate magic books.
Unfortunately, this belief has led to a huge number of sacrifices among polydactyl felines. In the medieval and Inquisition context, any different animal could be considered a witch's familiar (a spirit or demon that accompanied her).
Black cats with multiple toes were doubly suspicious:
Black cats were associated with Satan and evil spells;
Polydactyl cats were considered a sign of abnormality, hence "the devil's mark".
However, in some rural areas, they were seen as protective cats : their large paws gave them a powerful and supernatural aspect, capable of repelling evil spirits or guarding houses .
📜 Testimonies and popular beliefs
Accounts of witch trials mention "deformed" or "monstrous" cats, which could correspond to polydactyl cats. It was sometimes believed that these cats had been marked by the witch or that they shared a demonic essence with her.
In Nordic and Celtic folklore, a cat with too many toes could be interpreted as a sign of magical power : either beneficial (protective) or malevolent (messenger of the devil).
🐾 A practical function repurposed into magic
It is likely that originally, polydactyl cats were valued for their hunting efficiency (their extra toes sometimes giving them a better grip).
But in a society where the inexplicable had to be explained by magic , this physical difference was perceived as a supernatural gift (the witch's cat) or a curse from the devil (hence the fear and sometimes the elimination of these animals).
It is precisely because of this belief that polydactyl cats were massively eliminated in Europe.
✍️ Cultural anecdotes
Hemingway's Cats
The writer Ernest Hemingway received a white polydactyl cat named Snowball from a ship's captain. Fascinated, he founded a colony of polydactyl cats in Key West, Florida. Even today, his descendants live around Hemingway's house-museum and are known as " Hemingway cats ."
Polydactyl cats, the lucky charms of sailors:
Popular belief held that a polydactyl cat protected the ship and its crew. It was also said that their "thumbs" gave them almost human-like hands , allowing them to climb and hold on better. In some peasant households in Europe, these cats were believed to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits .
It was not uncommon for a ship to have feline passengers, as they were useful for controlling vermin on board the ship.
✨ Today: From superstition to fascination
What was frightening in the Middle Ages is now an adorable genetic curiosity. Polydactyl cats, far from being devilish pets, have become star cats : sought after, valued, and even celebrated in some cultures.
🐾 Link between Maine Coon cats and polydactyly
The Maine Coon, an iconic breed of North America, is partly descended from these marine cats.
In the early records of the breed, up to 40% of Maine Coons were polydactyl . This proportion decreased due to selective breeding, but some breeders intentionally preserved the mutation to maintain the breed's authenticity . Today, thanks to TICA, polydactyly is recognized and valued within the breed under the name Polydactyl Maine Coon (PCM) .
The origin of polydactyly is a mixture of science and tradition : an ancient genetic mutation, spread by sailors and rooted in the history of the Maine Coon.
🏆 Acceptance in cat clubs
For a long time, polydactyly was seen as a physical anomaly rather than a positive characteristic. Some clubs considered it a disqualifying fault in shows. But advances in knowledge and genetics have led to a reassessment.
TICA (The International Cat Association) :
TICA now recognizes polydactyl Maine Coons under the designation Maine Coon Polydactyl (MCP) . This means that polydactyl cats can be officially registered, participate in certain competitions, and be included in recognized breeding programs.
This acceptance is important because it avoids unnecessarily discarding healthy and robust bloodlines.
You can even see our cattery in the Polydactyl Maine Coon category on TICA: https://tica.org/cattery/lesaristocoons-2/
CFA (Cat Fanciers' Association) :
The CFA does not yet recognize polydactyly as a standard. MCP cats cannot compete in CFA shows, but they are accepted in pedigrees.
Other cat clubs :
Some European clubs remain stricter, but the global trend is towards greater tolerance , especially in breeds where it is historically common, such as the Maine Coon.
✋ Different types of polydactyly
There are several forms of polydactyly, depending on the location and development of the extra fingers:
Preaxial (the most common)
The extra toes appear on the inner side of the paw (the thumb side). Often, this gives the impression that the cat has an "opposable thumb".
Postaxial
The toes appear on the outer side of the leg (little toe side). Less frequent and sometimes more problematic for locomotion.
Complex / combined
Several extra fingers at once, both preaxial and postaxial. Sometimes visually impressive, but not necessarily problematic if well formed.
Polydactyly of the hind paws
Less common than on the front paws. Can slightly complicate weight-bearing or walking if the toes are poorly positioned.
🩺 Care and precautions for polydactyl cats
Polydactyly itself is not a disease . Many polydactyl cats live perfectly normal lives. However, some special care is recommended:
Nail control : Extra toes often have poorly aligned nails. They can grow into the pads, become ingrown, or catch easily. Regular trimming (every 3–4 weeks) is essential.
To help you with nail trimming, we've made an informative video on the subject:
Orthopedic monitoring : In most cases, the extra toes are functional. However, sometimes they are atrophied or malformed, which can cause discomfort or lameness. In extreme (rare) cases, the veterinarian may recommend corrective surgery .
Precautions in breeding : Polydactyly is not associated with serious genetic problems, unlike some other mutations. However, it should not be confused with rare malformation syndromes (pathological complex polydactyly, syndactyly). Responsible breeders select healthy polydactyl lines without associated abnormalities.
🎨 Why do we love them?
Polydactyl cats are often called " mitten cats " because their large paws make them look like they're wearing gloves. Many owners find them more affectionate and playful, with a unique gait.
Their uniqueness is now better understood and increasingly valued in feline standards . In the Maine Coon, polydactyly even reflects part of its natural heritage .
👉 In short:
Polydactyly in cats is a fascinating genetic trait that poses no major health risks if properly monitored. Today, it is accepted and recognized by organizations like TICA, which helps preserve the diversity and genetic richness of breeds.
Sources:
S1: Image of Hemingway's cats: https://un-chat-passant-parmi-les-livres.blogspot.com/2014/04/des-ecrivains-des-chats.html
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