URBANANIMAL: Extra toed cat considered good luck for sailors

Dear UrbanAnimal,

I have a multi-toed cat named, of course, Bigfoot. He was one of three polydactyl kittens in his six-member litter. Some people think cats with these feet are clumsy, but my cat is as agile as any other. Maybe your readers would be interested in knowing more about cats with extra toes?

Morgan

Hi Morgan,

Polydactyl means having more than the normal number of fingers or toes and can apply to any type of animal or human. (Dactyl comes from the Greek word "daktylos," meaning fingers and toes.)

You're absolutely correct a polydactyl cat isn't clumsy. As tiny kitten, however, he may be a little slower to climb drapes and launch himself off furniture, but felines are marvels at coping.

As he grows larger, his feet will grow proportionately and, when he reaches his adult size, the oversized pieds are less obvious. Most importantly, the extra toes pose no mobility problems for the cat. And he may be particularly talented at games that require batting, such as catching or scooting a toy across the floor, given the fact he possesses a much larger bat.

Polydactyls share a fascinating history.

Perhaps the most famous fan of these cats was the late Ernest Hemingway, who was presented with a five-toed cat by a sea captain in the 1950s. Following Hemingway's death in 1961, his Key West, Fla., estate continues to teem with multi-toed felines whose genes have passed the trait down through the generations.

They're also called "mitten cats," or "thumb cats," but most people now refer to them as "Hemingway cats."

A non-polydactyl cat has four toes on the front feet and four on the rear, plus an additional toe on each foot, which is set apart much like a human thumb. Polydactyl cats can have as many as seven toes plus a "thumb" on each foot. Extra toes only on the front feet are the most common.

Polydactyls come in all colours and, since it's a genetic trait, they tend to be more prevalent in specific areas. Britain and the northeast coast of North America, for instance, are home to large populations. Boston, Mass., boasts a particularly large population since British sailors brought them over on their ships in the 17th century. Boston is now so inundated with these cats, residents of the U.S. north-east coast often refer to them as "Boston cats."

Maine coon cats are often polydactyl. Official breed standards do not allow for it in breeding programs so breeders have all but eliminated the trait from their lines. But unregistered coon cats continue to be bred and many continue to sport the extra toes of their ancestors.

Throughout history, sailors around the world have held the belief that polydactyl cats are the best mousers and they also ensure good luck in ocean crossings.

Your Bigfoot is a special cat. And I'm sure he agrees.

Email jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.