Most pet lovers look for something different in the animal that they take care of. They want their pets to have something that is unique, unusual, or a peculiar trait perhaps.
This will be made possible if one will take a polydactyl cat at home. This cat is not the typical cat that you know lets see the How Much Is a Polydactyl Cat Worth.
How many toes does a cat have?
Normally, a cat possesses 18 toes – 5 toes for the front feet and 4 toes at the back. But a polydactyl cat is a special cat. They can have 19 and above toes.
According to the records, the most number of toes recorded as of the moment is 28. This figure came from Guinness Book of Records. The extra toes may be found at the front paws or at the back.
Hemingway cats
They are commonly called mitten-toed cats, cats with thumbs, Hemingway cats, and many others. Their names suggest who they are.
These cats seem to be large in size but what makes them appear big is the fact that they have big paws because of their extra toes. Their paws make them look like boxers for they seem to have boxing gloves.
Polydactyl is not a new breed of cats
Indeed, these cats do not belong to a specific breed actually. This is because polydactyl cats behavior can happen in almost all breeds of cat. Having many toes is the distinguishing feature that makes these cats peculiar.
Moreover, these cats are actually results of genetic deviation. The extra toes can be attributed to the genes of the cat and science can explain why this anomaly happens.
This occurrence can actually occur to other living organisms just like when a human being is born with an extra finger in his/her left or right finger, or sometimes both.
This does not make a person less, but it can be his/her distinguishing mark. This is the same with this type of cats.
Therefore, while the name “polydactyl” might be unfamiliar to many, it is not that difficult to deal with.. If you want to try taking a polydactyl cat in your room as a pet, you can consider the price.
The Price
Online, polydactyl cat fact range from an average of 300 USD to 500 USD. This is a reasonable cost for a pet with a distinguishing and peculiar characteristic. This price range is comparable to the cost of Maine Coon cats, a breed that shares many traits with polydactyl cats.
A pet owner gets to have a cat breed of his/her choice and take a polydactyl cat at the same time.
Aside from that the owner needs not to spend much in health care services. These cats are not prone to diseases and with that, visits to the veterinary clinics are avoided. This will save the owner some amount of money.
These cats call for minimal maintenance which means another savings on the part of the cat lover. One gets to take care of a unique cute feline with a reasonable everyday expenses. However, only the owner can decide whether to pamper their pet more than usual.
The Good Qualities
Considering the price and the savings that you can have in maintaining a polydactyl, you are not at the loosing end. Aside from the reasonable price, these cats have distinct qualities that will entice you to take them home. The following may guide cat lover in deciding to pamper this type of feline.
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Personality Traits | Similar to Maine Coon cats; friendly and playful. |
| Ease of Care | If you’re familiar with Maine Coon care, polydactyl care is similar. |
| Unique Abilities | Extra toes assist in opening cabinets and picking things up. |
| Behavior | Consistent with their original breed; about 50% of traits inherited from the original breed. |
| Grooming Requirements | Minimal; similar to standard cat breeds. |
| Good with Children | Yes; generally nice with children. |
| Good with Adults | Yes; generally sweet with adults. |
| Extra Toes | An attractive feature; cats do not mind if someone touches their extra toes. |
Special Features
In addition, there are unique information which are as unique as the toes of the polydactyl cats. These are significant information that will make you love them.
- The name polydactyl is rooted from the Greek word ‘polydaktylos’ which means ‘many digits or many toes’. In Greek, “poly” means “many,” and “daktylos” means “finger” or “toe.
- The name suggests about their physical characteristic – having many toes!
- However, these felines are loved by sailors, for they serve as lucky charms for them. Because of their extra toes, these cats can manage to balance themselves when they are on boats. Stray polydactyl cats climbing up the railings of ships delight sailors, as it signifies a good voyage for everyone on board.
Polydactyl cats behavior
- Can have polydactyl kittens. There is a great possibility that their offspring’s are multi-toed as well.
- This will give the opportunity for cat lovers to have a village of polydactyl cats!
- Hemingway is the other term given to these cats because it was put on records that a ship captain gifted Ernest Hemingway a polydactyl cat. Hemingway is a famous American author and a Nobel Prize winner. This makes these cats loved by literature lovers. They get to take a cat with the name of their favorite author.
These kittens with mittens are truly worth the price as well as all the pampering. They are truly extraordinary because of their extra toes.
In choosing which breed of cat to take home, one must consider the other features that will make that particular cat stand out from the rest. Having polydactyl cat fact as a pet is not a bad idea, but rather a wise one!