Tetradactyl? NOO!! Polydactyl
A little on polydactyl cats. Typically, cats have 18 toes, 5 on each front foot and 4 on each back foot. Polydactyl is a dominant genetic mutation, meaning only one parent cat needs to carry the gene in order for a kitten to get this gene, in which the cat has extra toes than is normal. Typically, extra “thumbs” will show up on the front feet, with as many as 7 total toes on a foot. Some speculate that this mutation developed in snowy climates and refer to it as “showshoe paws” as it gives cats extra-wide weight disbursement allowing for easier treks through the snow. Interesting fact, historically, sailors found polydactyl cats to be lucky and would bring them on ships.
While being polydactyl is not in itself a health concern, it does require additional proper care for it to not become a health issue. Typically, cats are able to scratch posts and such to keep their claws at a healthy length. Unfortunately, the paws get crowded with extra toes, sometimes the extra toes being in unique or difficult positions to actually scratch a post to shorten the claws, and the claw of the extra thumbs can continue to grow and curl up through the foot. This can resemble if they stepped on a big thorn that went through their foot. It is extremely painful for the cat.
Proper routine nail trimming is a necessity for cats with extra toes. If you are uncomfortable trimming nails or your cat unintentionally makes it difficult, you can make appointments with a groomer or at your veterinary clinic for routine nail trims. Trimming nails is a necessary commitment if you own a polydactyl cat. Nail trims are best managed if they are conducted every 2-3 weeks.
Some people have asked about the option to de-claw. Our policy (as mentioned in our sales agreement) at Snowberry Maine Coons is that de-clawing is prohibited on our cats and kittens. Aside from taking away your cats’ main source of protection, declawing is painful, traumatic, and possibly life threatening. De-clawing is a very traumatic surgery that many vets will actually refuse to conduct. The surgery requires cutting off the whole last digit of every toe. This is extremely painful and with so many open wounds on their feet and given that cats dig to use the litterbox, cats are at an extremely higher risk to become infected. Death can even occur due to sepsis.
That being said, we advocate for the individual health of every cat/kitten. Please consult with your veterinarian about any tricky extra thumbs. If the de-clawing of the extra thumb is advised due to it’s location, difficulty to trim, and its extra curling nature, please listen to your vet. A second opinion never hurts either. We say this because although we have never de-clawed any of our cats, we have had one breeding cat that had an extra thumb that needed checked weekly due to its location and extra curl. Luckily, we were able to manage this just fine, but we understand that some cats may not tolerate this type of handling/nail trimming weekly. Please consult your vet if you have a similar issue or are concerned.
