Polydactyl Maine Coons are one of the most fascinating and beloved variations of the breed. With their oversized, mitten-like paws, they have a distinctive look that sets them apart — and a history as rich as the breed itself.

What Does Polydactyl Mean?

Polydactyly is a genetic trait that causes a cat to be born with more than the usual number of toes. Most cats have 18 toes (5 on each front paw, 4 on each back paw). Polydactyl cats can have anywhere from 1 to several extra toes, often giving their front paws a wide, mitten-like appearance.

History of Polydactyl Maine Coons

Polydactyly was once extremely common in Maine Coons — some estimates suggest that up to 40% of the original Maine Coon population carried the trait. Sailors prized polydactyl cats as ship cats, believing the extra toes gave them better balance at sea and made them superior mousers. The trait was so associated with Maine Coons that they were sometimes called "Hemingway cats" (after Ernest Hemingway's famous polydactyl cats in Key West).

Genetics

Polydactyly in Maine Coons is caused by a dominant mutation in the Pd gene. A cat only needs one copy of the gene to express the trait. This means a polydactyl parent has approximately a 50% chance of passing the trait to each kitten — which is why approximately 50% of our Dashing Coons kittens are polydactyl.

Is Polydactyly Harmful?

In the vast majority of cases, no. Polydactyl cats live completely normal, healthy lives. The extra toes don't cause pain or mobility issues. The main care consideration is nail trimming — extra toes mean extra nails, and the inner "thumb" nail in particular can curl and grow into the paw pad if not trimmed regularly.

TICA Recognition

TICA (The International Cat Association) officially recognizes and accepts polydactyly in Maine Coons. Polydactyl Maine Coons can be shown and registered just like their standard-toed counterparts.

Polydactyls at Dashing Coons

Approximately 50% of our kittens are polydactyl. We love the trait and intentionally breed for it as part of our European smoke program. Our polydactyl kittens have the same exceptional structure, temperament, and health testing as all our kittens.

Interested in a polydactyl kitten? Text us at (618) 973-6926 to ask about availability.