If you've ever seen a Maine Coon with unusually large, wide paws — paws that look almost like mittens — you've likely encountered a polydactyl Maine Coon. These cats have extra toes, and they're one of the most fascinating and sought-after variations in the breed. At Dashing Coons, we specialize in polydactyl Maine Coons, and we get questions about them constantly. This guide covers everything you need to know.

What Does "Polydactyl" Mean?

The word polydactyl comes from the Greek words for "many" and "fingers." A polydactyl cat simply has more toes than the standard number. Most cats have 18 toes — five on each front paw and four on each back paw. A polydactyl cat can have anywhere from one to several extra toes, most commonly on the front paws.

The most common form is called preaxial polydactyly, where the extra toe appears on the inner (thumb) side of the paw. This gives the paw a wide, mitten-like appearance that Maine Coon enthusiasts absolutely love.

The History of Polydactyl Maine Coons

Polydactyly has a long and fascinating history in the Maine Coon breed. In the early days of the breed — before formal cat shows and breed standards — polydactyl Maine Coons were actually quite common in New England. Some estimates suggest that as many as 40% of early Maine Coons carried the polydactyl gene.

Sailors are often credited with spreading polydactyl cats along the Eastern Seaboard. The extra toes were believed to give cats better balance on ships, and polydactyl cats were considered good luck. Ernest Hemingway famously kept polydactyl cats at his Key West home — his descendants still live there today, which is why polydactyl cats are sometimes called "Hemingway cats."

When formal cat shows began in the late 1800s and early 1900s, polydactyly was disqualified from competition. This led many breeders to breed it out of their lines. As a result, polydactyl Maine Coons became rarer — but they never disappeared, and today they're experiencing a major resurgence in popularity.

What Causes Polydactyly in Maine Coons?

Polydactyly in Maine Coons is caused by a dominant genetic mutation called the Pd gene (also called the Hemingway gene). Because it's dominant, a cat only needs one copy of the gene to express the trait. A cat with two copies (homozygous) will also be polydactyl, but the homozygous form can sometimes cause more severe limb abnormalities, which is why responsible breeders breed polydactyl to non-polydactyl cats.

The Pd gene in Maine Coons is a specific, well-studied mutation that is distinct from the polydactyly seen in other breeds. It's been present in the Maine Coon gene pool for generations and is considered a natural variation of the breed by many registries, including TICA.

Are Polydactyl Maine Coons Healthy?

Yes — in the vast majority of cases, polydactyl Maine Coons are completely healthy. The extra toes are a cosmetic variation, not a health condition. They don't cause pain, don't affect mobility, and don't shorten the cat's lifespan.

There are a few things to be aware of:

• Nail trimming: The extra toes have nails that need to be trimmed regularly. Because the extra toe is often positioned differently than the others, the nail can sometimes grow in a curve and dig into the paw pad if left untrimmed. This is easy to prevent with regular grooming.
• Claw monitoring: Some polydactyl cats have a dewclaw-like extra toe that doesn't touch the ground. These nails don't wear down naturally and need more frequent trimming.
• Breeder responsibility: As mentioned above, responsible breeders breed polydactyl to non-polydactyl cats to avoid the homozygous form. Always ask your breeder about their pairing practices.

At Dashing Coons, all of our polydactyl kittens are bred from polydactyl-to-non-polydactyl pairings, and all breeding cats are genetically health-tested through UC Davis for HCM, SMA, and other heritable conditions.

What Do Polydactyl Paws Look Like?

The most common and beloved form is the "mitten paw" — a wide, flat paw with an extra toe on the inner side that gives it the appearance of a thumb. When a polydactyl Maine Coon reaches out to grab something, it genuinely looks like they're using a hand. Many owners describe their polydactyl cats as having an almost primate-like dexterity.

Some polydactyl cats have extra toes that are fully formed with bones, joints, and nails. Others have smaller, less-developed extra digits. The appearance varies from cat to cat, and part of the charm is that no two polydactyl paws look exactly alike.

Personality: Are Polydactyl Maine Coons Different?

Polydactyly doesn't affect personality — your polydactyl Maine Coon will have the same gentle giant temperament the breed is known for. What does change is what they can do with those paws.

Polydactyl Maine Coons are notoriously dexterous. Owners frequently report their cats:

• Opening cabinet doors and drawers
• Picking up small objects and carrying them
• Turning doorknobs (yes, really)
• Scooping water from their bowl instead of drinking normally
• Batting toys with surprising precision

The extra toe gives them a wider grip surface and more tactile sensitivity. Combined with the Maine Coon's already high intelligence, polydactyl cats can be remarkably clever and interactive companions.

TICA Recognition of Polydactyl Maine Coons

TICA (The International Cat Association) officially recognizes the Maine Coon Polydactyl as a separate breed designation. This means polydactyl Maine Coons can be shown and registered with TICA under their own category, separate from the standard Maine Coon. This recognition validates polydactyly as a natural and legitimate variation of the breed — not a defect.

At Dashing Coons, our polydactyl kittens are registered with TICA and come with full documentation. We're a TICA-registered cattery, which means our breeding program meets TICA's standards for health, ethics, and record-keeping.

How Much Do Polydactyl Maine Coon Kittens Cost?

Polydactyl Maine Coon kittens are typically priced similarly to or slightly below standard Maine Coon kittens from the same cattery, depending on coat color, bloodlines, and other traits. At Dashing Coons, our polydactyl kittens start at $3,500 — the same price range as our standard kittens.

Be cautious of polydactyl Maine Coon kittens priced significantly below market rate. Reputable breeders invest heavily in health testing, TICA registration, and proper socialization — and that investment is reflected in the price. A kitten priced at $500–$1,000 from an unregistered breeder is a red flag.

What to Look for in a Polydactyl Maine Coon Breeder

Finding a reputable polydactyl Maine Coon breeder requires the same due diligence as finding any Maine Coon breeder — plus a few polydactyl-specific questions:

• TICA registration: The cattery should be TICA-registered and able to provide documentation for both parents and kittens.
• Health testing: All breeding cats should be tested for HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), SMA (spinal muscular atrophy), and PKD (polycystic kidney disease) through an accredited lab like UC Davis.
• Breeding practices: Ask whether they breed polydactyl to non-polydactyl. Responsible breeders always do.
• In-home raising: Kittens should be raised in the home with daily handling and socialization — not in a cage or barn.
• Transparency: A good breeder welcomes questions, offers video calls, and is happy for you to visit in person.

Polydactyl Maine Coons at Dashing Coons

We specialize in polydactyl Maine Coons at Dashing Coons. Our current litters include polydactyl kittens from our Born of Legends litter — black smoke and blue smoke polydactyls with authentic European bloodlines. All breeding cats are TICA-registered and health-tested through UC Davis.

We're based in Southern Illinois near St. Louis and offer complimentary delivery throughout most of the United States. Text us at (618) 973-6926 to ask about current polydactyl availability or to schedule a video call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are polydactyl Maine Coons rare?

They're less common than standard Maine Coons, but not extremely rare. Breeders who specialize in polydactyls — like Dashing Coons — maintain dedicated breeding programs. Demand is high, so waitlists are common.

Do polydactyl Maine Coons need special care?

Mostly no. The main difference is nail trimming — the extra toes need regular attention to prevent overgrowth. Otherwise, care is identical to any Maine Coon.

Can polydactyl Maine Coons be shown?

Yes — TICA recognizes the Maine Coon Polydactyl as a separate breed designation and allows them to be shown in their own category.

Is polydactyly painful for cats?

No. Polydactyly is a cosmetic variation, not a painful condition. Cats with extra toes live normal, healthy, comfortable lives.

What's the difference between a polydactyl Maine Coon and a regular Maine Coon?

The only difference is the extra toes. Temperament, size, coat, and health are all the same. The extra toes add dexterity and a distinctive "mitten paw" appearance that many people find irresistible.