Polydactyl Cats - Thumbs Up!

Polydactyl Cats - Thumbs Up! I remember hearing about the famous Hemingway cats as a child. I was under the impression that the distinctive 6-toed cats were only found at the Hemingway estate, and if you ever wanted to see one, that’s where you had to go. I have since educated myself, however slightly, about the polydactyl cats that became famous simply because they resided at the estate of the Noble Peace prize winning author, Ernest Hemingway. While living in Key West Florida, Hemingway was given his first polydactyl cat, thought to be a Maine Coon, by a ship’s captain. The Hemingway Estate and Museum in Key West is currently home to more than 50 polydactyl cats, many of which are said to be descendants of Hemmingway’s first polydactyl cat. The term polydactyl, means having more than the normal number of digits. A polydactyl cat can have many toes, and on occasions, can have more than one paw protruding from a leg. Polydactyl cats have inherited a genetic trait, which means that a polydactyl cat has to have at least one polydactyl parent. While a polydactyl cat can be of any breed, the Maine Coon breed has a highest incidence of polydacylism, almost 40%. The history surrounding the polydactyl cat is tumultuous. First appearing in the US and Europe during the late 19^th century, polydactyl cats were associated with witchcraft because of their unusual appearance and frequently killed. However, the multi toed cats were a favorite with sailors due to their exceptional hunting skills, and their ability to kill mice aboard ships. Fortunately polydactylism does not adversely affect cats. Does being a polydactyl cat have its advantages? Who knows, if they learn how to use those extra toes…..they may one day rule the world!