Polydactyly is a genetic mutation that causes cats' paws to have extra digits. Polydactyl cats can have up to seven toes on each paw, whereas most cats have five toes on their front paws and four on their rear paws.
The word "polydactyl" originates from the Greek terms "poly" meaning many and "daktylos" meaning fingers or toes. Together, these words form the English word "polydactyl."
The term "polydactyl cat" refers not to a particular breed of cat but rather to a characteristic that can be found in a wide variety of breeds of cats and even in cats that are mixed breeds.
Ernest Hemingway, who loved polydactyl cats, promoted them. Hemingway's Key West, Florida, home is now a museum with over 40 polydactyl cats, descendants of his initial pets.
While polydactyly is commonly thought to be a benign genetic trait, it can occasionally cause health issues such as joint pain or trouble walking if the extra toes are not properly aligned.
Polydactyl cats, despite the fact that they have an extra toe on each paw, are not particularly superior climbers or hunters to cats that have the typical number of toes.
It's not just cats that can have polydactyly; humans, dogs, and other animals can also have this condition. Cats aren't the only creatures who can have extra digits.
There is a school of thought that maintains that polydactyl cats bring good fortune, and in some communities, these cats are seen as a representation of good fortune. This is because polydactyl cats have extra toes on each of their ten fingers.
Even though polydactyl cats might require some additional care because of their extra toes, many people still choose to keep them as companions because of how wonderful they are.
Some animal shelters and rescue organizations actively seek out polydactyl cats for adoption, and there are even rescue organizations devoted solely to finding homes for these unusual felines.