Polydactyly (from the Greek: poly = many, daktulos = fingers) is a common trait among cats. It is
a naturally occurring genetic variation
that occurs in many animals as well as in humans.
Is polydactyly rare in cats?
Polydactyly Is Caused by a Genetic Mutation
The front paws are most often affected by polydactyly, but it can also occur on the hind paws;
it’s extremely rare for a cat to have polydactyly on all four paws
. For the most part, polydactyly is harmless to a cat’s health and wellness.
Cats with extra toes have them because of a
genetic mutation
that often results in a dominant gene being shared down a family tree. If one parent is polydactyl, odds are good that at least some of their children will also be polydactyl.
What is the average lifespan of a polydactyl cat?
The average American Polydactyl…
On average, a healthy Polydactyl will weigh somewhere in the region of 10-20 pounds, with a life expectancy of
up to 15 years
. Outdoor cats, regardless of breed, have a far lower life expectancy than indoor cats, usually surviving for less than 5 years.
What gene causes polydactyly in cats?
Polydactyl cats have more than the usual number of toes on one or more of their paws. These kitties are born with an abnormal, dominant genetic mutation called
polydactylism
. While the polydactyl cat’s appearance is quite unique, the polydactyl gene is somewhat common.
What cats are blessed with extra toes?
Popularly known as
“mitten kittens” or “Hemingway cats
,” the eight-week-old domestic shorthair kitten named “Titus Pullo” has polydactylism: a genetic mutation which causes cats to be born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws.
Can polydactyly be detected before birth?
Polydactyly may be
seen before birth on an ultrasound
. Otherwise, doctors diagnose it when the baby is born. Sometimes doctors do X-rays to see if the extra digit has bones and joints.
Is polydactyly dominant in cats?
Polydactyly is inherited as
an autosomal dominant gene defect
, sometimes with variable gene penetration. Recent work has shown that the defect is generally the same in cats as in humans. However, more than one gene may be involved and affected genes may vary between breeds.
Do cats have thoughts?
According to the director of the animal behavior clinic at Boston, Massachusetts’ Tufts University of Veterinary Medicine, Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS,
cats are definitely intelligent enough to have their own thoughts
. Structurally, the feline brain and the human brain are very similar.
What is the most toes seen on a cat?
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — Meet Paws, the polydactyl cat. She has
28 toes
, three extra on each forepaw and one extra on each back paw.
Is polydactyly dominant or recessive?
Polydactyly is an abnormality characterized by extra fingers or toes. The condition may be present as part of a collection of abnormalities, or it may exist by itself. When polydactyly exhibits by itself, it is inherited as an
autosomal dominant trait
.
What causes human polydactyly?
Most often the extra digit grows next to the fifth finger or toe. Polydactyly tends to run in families. It may also result
from genetic mutations or environmental causes
. The usual treatment is surgery to remove the extra digit.
How common is polydactyly?
Polydactyly occurs in
1 in 1,000 births
in the overall population, but occurs more often in African Americans with 1 in 150 births.
What kind of cat has six toes?
Polydactyl cats
are known by many names, including “Hemingway cats,” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner. They are also referred to as “mitten cats,” “big-foot cats” and “six-toed cats” — or even “cats with thumbs.”
What is the life expectancy of a cat?
A cat’s life expectancy will depend on many factors, including health, diet and their environment, but the average lifespan for a domestic cat is
about 12-14 years
. However, some pet cats can live to be around 20 years old.
