Polydactyl Cats: Born to Be Extraordinary

Polydactyl cats, also known as “Hemingway cats” after the famous author who loved these unique felines, are born with extra toes on one or more of their paws. While a typical cat has five toes on their front paws and four on their back, polydactyl cats can have up to seven or eight toes on each paw.

While many people might assume that having extra toes would be a hindrance to a cat, the opposite is often true. In fact, many polydactyl cats are adept climbers and hunters, using their extra toes to grip and climb with ease.

One particularly famous polydactyl cat was Snowball, who lived with Hemingway at his home in Key West, Florida. Snowball was said to be an excellent mouser, and he and Hemingway developed a close bond during the time they spent together.

Today, many people still seek out polydactyl cats as pets, drawn to their unique appearance and often playful personalities. While polydactyl cats are relatively rare in the wild, the trait is fairly common among certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon.

Aside from their physical abilities, polydactyl cats are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are often described as curious and playful, and they tend to be more social and affectionate than some of their feline counterparts.

While many people may consider polydactyl cats to be simply a novelty, these unique cats are truly born to be extraordinary. Their extra toes may set them apart visually, but it is their natural athleticism and sweet natures that truly make them stand out.