Extra-Toes Cat (Hemingway Polydactyl)
A Polydactyl cat is simply a cat that has more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws. This is known as a congenital physical anomaly, due to a cat body type genetic mutation. This anomaly can occur on any cat breed, although attempts have been made to make the Polydactyl cats a separate breed in their own right. This breed can have up to seven digits on their front and hind paws which is several more than usual. It is believed the most common variant of this trait originated as a mutation in New England. It seems to be that the breed spread widely as a result of cats carried on ships originating in Boston.
Breeds That Accept the Pattern
Predominately Maine Coon. But has been known to occur in other breeds such as Abyssinian, American Shorthair, Birman, British Shorthair, Burmese, Chartreux, Egyptian Mau, Exotic, Manx, Munchkin, Ocicat, Persian, Ragdoll, Ragamuffin, Scottish Fold, Russian Blue, Siamese, Snowshoe, Tonkinese, Turkish Angora, and Turkish Van, as well as in "big cats"