Toetally In Love - Polydactyly in Cats

       I had been asking my partner for years if we could adopt a cat and, at first, he answered with his usual "No". Then he saw her, said "Look at those paws!", saw her beautiful eyes and finally said "Yes". (Oh, sure, when he wanted a cat...) I wasn't going to complain though, since it meant that we could bring Daffodil, renamed Laya by my children, home. We filled out the paper work and explained the difference between "polytactyl" and "pterodactyl" to our girls. Within a few days, the shelter approved our application and we were still able to get that litter deal.😉

      As a child, my family had owned many cats, so Laya's playfulness and curiosity weren't surprising. What I hadn't thought of though, was how much more dexterity those additional digits would give her. No cupboard door was safe. The child safety locks had to remain well past when my children needed them to keep out our furry menace. Once, I woke everyone in the house with my screams when I went to grab a baking sheet and had my hand licked!

      Speaking of doors, if they aren't tightly closed, she'll wiggle those paws around any loose handles and pull them open. Picture it, it's the middle of the night, and you're going to the bathroom. There's a noise in the shower. Every single horror movie that you've ever seen flashes through your mind. Grabbing the soap dispenser for protection, you turn on the light, open the curtains and see:

DUN DUN DUNNNN!! & Awwww...

What is Polydactyly?

      Polydactyly or polydactylism (from the Greek poly meaning many and daktylos meaning digits) is a congenital condition found in several species of animals such as humans, cats, dogs, mice, etc. A mutation occurring in a dominant gene results in the formation of additional digits. This will be passed along to offspring, though this doesn't guarantee that all of the kittens will have extra toes. The dominant genes for polydactyly won't always override the recessive normal genes. Some, or all, could be born with normal toes and just be carriers of the trait. Cats that haven't had Polydactylism appear in their family line can produce kittens with the condition. When this happens, it is considered a new mutation event.

Laya's forepaws, with 6 toes on each, look like fluffy mittens.

      The average domestic feline has 18 toes, five per each fore paw and four on the hind paws. It's more common for cats with polydactylism to have these extra toes on their front paws than on the rear ones. Laya has a total of 22 toes with six up front and five on her hind paws. There are two ways that veterinarians refer to the location of where these additional digits form. Laya has pre-axial polydactyly, where her extra toes are in the inside of her paw (think where our thumbs are on our hands). Postaxial toes will present on the opposite side (where a pinky finger is on a human). Extra digits on the postaxial side are less common and not typically fully formed.

Laya's hind paws have 5 toes each. (Thankfully, she's chill when I touch her paws!)

Are there any risks to the cat?

      For the most part, these additional digits won't mean any harm to your pet. Some cats will have their toes form either twisted or in uncomfortable positions for walking. Consultation with a veterinary professional will help to determine if removing the extra toes will improve the well being of your cat. There is an ethical debate in breeding cats specifically to produce kittens with polydactylism (one example being Maine Coons which have a higher rate of the condition). While I'm not a fan of breeding for specific traits, if it is to be done, I feel extreme care must be taken avoid having a kitten born with a debilitating malformation simply because someone wants to sell a look. There is one line being bred, referred to as squittens or twisty cats that I personally feel is an unethical practice.

       Care does have to be taken in keeping their nails trimmed (this should be done with all cats) as the nails on the extra toes will not have the wear from all of the playing that the others do. Just be careful not to cut too far down. All trimming should stop above the quick. If you've never trimmed your pet's nails and are worried that you'll injure them, ask your vet (or other professional) to show you how.

      Overgrown nails are prone to tearing, resulting in breakage of the nail and a possible injury to the paw. Also, long nails can curve around and embed into the paw, increasing the risk of an infection and causing a great deal of pain for your little furball. If your cat is limping and meowing more than usual, excessively licking a paw, or you notice that a paw is swollen, they may have an embedded or ingrown nail. As always with any pet, bring them in to your veterinarian so that proper treatment can be given.

Lying in wait for her next victim...
      Laya's oversized paws may have been what drew our attention at first but, like all cats, it's her unique personality that truly keeps us loving her. Her propensity to figure out a way into a cupboard, her ability to steal lunch meat off of the kitchen counter while we make sandwiches, and more make everyday interesting. Plus, she knows when to blink her big beautiful eyes when she rubs against our legs (my little brat knows we can't be mad at her). She'll hang out on top of a dresser or the fish tank, looking all cute and innocent. Then, someone will walk by and she uses those meat hooks of hers to grab your shirt and reel you in. Woe to anyone who doesn't give in and pet her when she wants!

Playtime with Laya!

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All images are my own.

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art and flair courtesy of @PegasusPhysics

Squirrel World GIF by @Omra-sky. Thank you! 😻
GIF by @Omra-sky.

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Thank YOU for reading!