Have you ever admired the adorable paws of a cat? Those soft, padded feet are not only cute but also incredibly complex and functional. If you’re curious about feline anatomy, you might be wondering, just How Many Paws Does A Cat Have and how many toes are on each? You may have even heard of cats with extra toes, sometimes called “polydactyl cats,” “Hemingway cats,” or “mitten cats.”
So, what’s the standard number of paws and toes for a cat, and why do some cats have more? To answer these questions, we’ve consulted with veterinary experts: Dr. Anita Patel, DVM, a veterinarian and Area Medical Director at IndeVets, and Dr. Alejandro R. Caos, DVM, a small-animal veterinarian at The Vets.
Key Points to Remember
- A typical cat has four paws, with a total of 18 toes.
- Polydactyl cats have more than the usual number of toes due to a genetic condition.
- If a polydactyl cat reproduces with a non-polydactyl cat, each kitten has a 50% chance of inheriting polydactylism.
- While most polydactyl cats have only a few extra toes, some record-holders have as many as 28 toes in total!
Understanding the Standard Number of Cat Paws and Toes
black and white cat paw with extra toes
Normally, a cat has four paws: two in the front and two in the back. When we talk about toes, a typical cat boasts 18 toes in total. This breaks down to five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw. The front paws also feature a dewclaw, which is often considered an additional digit, though it doesn’t typically touch the ground. Back paws usually do not have dewclaws.
Dr. Patel explains that “polydactyly” is the term used to describe the presence of extra digits on a cat’s paw, even if it’s just one additional toe or an extra dewclaw. These extra toes can appear on any paw, front or back.
Interestingly, these extra digits most commonly develop on the inside of the paw, in what’s known as the pre-axial or “thumb” side. Less frequently, they might appear on the outside (post-axial or “pinky” side) or even in the middle (meso-axial). It’s also worth noting that the number of extra toes isn’t always symmetrical; one paw might have more extra toes than another on the same cat.
Just how many toes can a cat have? The Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat is shared by a couple of remarkable felines. One is an orange tabby named Jake, who has an astounding seven toes on each paw, totaling 28 toes! Another record holder is a cat named Paws from Minnesota, also boasting 28 toes.
The Genetics Behind Polydactyl Paws
What causes some cats to be born with these extra toes? According to Dr. Patel, the answer lies in genetics. Polydactylism is an autosomal dominant trait with some complexities in its expression. This means that if only one parent carries the gene for polydactyly, there’s still a chance that kittens in the litter will be born with extra toes.
Dr. Caos further elaborates on the genetic intricacies, stating, “The genetic basis of polydactylism is complex. It’s an autosomal dominant trait that has incomplete penetrance and variable expression, which contributes to the various toe configurations a polydactyl cat can have.” This complex genetic interplay explains why some polydactyl cats may have just one extra toe, while others, like Jake and Paws, have significantly more.
The origins of polydactylism in cats are not definitively known. However, a popular theory suggests that early settlers and sailors may have inadvertently contributed to the spread of polydactyl cats, particularly in places like America. The idea is that larger paws might have made these cats better mousers on ships, leading to their selection and propagation.
While extra toes might seem like they would offer advantages like improved balance, grip, or hunting skills, Dr. Caos clarifies that polydactyly is more likely a result of random genetic variation than a crucial evolutionary adaptation. “Polydactylism is not considered a crucial adaptation for cats’ survival in the wild,” he says. “Most cats, regardless of the number of toes, are well adapted to their natural habitats.”
Prevalence of Polydactyl Cats
Are polydactyl cats a rare sight? Actually, no. Dr. Caos explains that “when a polydactyl cat breeds with a non-polydactyl cat, the offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting the polydactyl gene.” If both parents are polydactyl, the likelihood of their kittens being polydactyl increases even further.
The most common form of polydactylism you’ll encounter is cats with one or two extra toes on their front paws, often giving their paws a “mitten-like” or “thumb-like” appearance. Cats with a high number of extra toes, like the record-holding Jake and Paws, are considered more unusual.
Cat Breeds and Polydactyly
Image alt text: Close-up of white polydactyl cat paws, clearly showing thumb-like extra toes.
While any cat can be born with extra toes due to genetics, certain breeds are more commonly associated with polydactylism. The Maine Coon and Pixiebob breeds are known to have a higher incidence of extra toes compared to other cat breeds. Dr. Caos notes, “Maine Coon cats are known for their large size and tufted ears, and the presence of extra toes adds to their unique appearance.”
You might also hear the term “American Polydactyl,” but it’s important to know that this isn’t a recognized breed. Instead, it refers to polydactyl cats that are descendants of cats originating in Key West, Florida. The famous author Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Key West, played a role in popularizing these cats. He was given a six-toed cat named Snow White, and her lineage, carrying the polydactyl gene, thrived. Today, Hemingway’s former residence in Key West, now a museum, is home to over 60 polydactyl cats, affectionately known as “Hemingway cats.”
Caring for a Polydactyl Cat’s Paws
Generally, caring for a polydactyl cat is quite similar to caring for any other cat. However, there are a few specific points to consider regarding their paws:
Nail Maintenance
Polydactyl cats have more nails, and some of these extra nails might not make contact with the ground. This can lead to an increased risk of nail overgrowth, which can be uncomfortable, cause infections, or result in snagged nails. Regular nail trimming is crucial to prevent these issues.
Paw Hygiene
Dr. Caos points out, “Extra toes in polydactyl cats means there may be additional spaces between the toes where dirt, debris, or litter can accumulate.” Regularly inspect your polydactyl cat’s paws and gently clean them as needed to keep them free of debris.
Monitoring Mobility
Most polydactyl cats don’t experience any mobility problems due to their extra toes. However, if your cat has unusually large or uniquely formed extra toes, it’s wise to monitor their movement. They should be able to walk, run, and jump comfortably without any signs of pain or difficulty.
Dr. Caos advises, “If you notice any limping, favoring of certain paws, or changes in mobility, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for further evaluation.” In rare cases where extra toes cause persistent problems, surgical removal might be considered.
In conclusion, while the standard answer to “how many paws does a cat have” is four, with 18 toes, the world of cats is full of fascinating variations like polydactylism. These “mitten cats” or “Hemingway cats” remind us of the beautiful diversity within the feline world, and that sometimes, a little extra is simply purr-fectly wonderful.
Featured Image: Janelle Leeson
WRITTEN BY Janelle Leeson, Freelance Writer
