Breed Profile
More than just a cat with extra toes, the American Polydactyl is a piece of living maritime history. Often called “Hemingway Cats” or “Mitten Cats,” these large-pawed felines are famous for their climbing ability, good luck charm status, and lovable personalities.
👍 Thumbs Up!
A normal cat has 18 toes (5 front, 4 back). A Polydactyl can have up to 28! The extra toes often look like thumbs, making it seem like the cat is wearing mittens.
History: The Sailor’s Lucky Charm
The history of the American Polydactyl is tied to the sea. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sailors valued these cats highly. They believed the extra toes gave the cats better balance on rocking ships during storms and made them superior mousers in the ship’s hold.
This maritime connection explains why they are most common in port cities along the East Coast of North America (like Boston) and in Nova Scotia. But the most famous colony lives in Key West, Florida.
The writer Ernest Hemingway was gifted a white six-toed kitten named Snow White by a ship’s captain. Hemingway loved the cat so much that he allowed her to breed freely at his Key West estate. Today, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is home to approximately 50-60 polydactyl cats, all descendants of Snow White. This is why the breed is affectionately known as the “Hemingway Cat.”
Personality: Big Paws, Big Heart
While the American Polydactyl is defined by a physical trait, owners swear they have a distinct personality. Because they were bred as ship’s cats and working mousers, they are generally robust, confident, and easy-going.
🧗 Expert Climbers
Those extra toes aren’t just for show. They provide extra grip, making Polydactyls excellent climbers. You will often find them on top of the fridge.
😺 Laid Back
Having sailed the high seas, not much rattles them. They adapt well to busy households, kids, and travel.
They are affectionate but independent. They will cuddle on their own terms but are always happy to be in the same room as you.
Appearance & The “Thumb”
The American Polydactyl is not a registered breed in many associations (like CFA), but rather a recognized type. They can be any color, pattern, or coat length.
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The Paws: The defining feature. They can have extra toes on just the front feet, or on all four. It is extremely rare to have them only on the hind feet. - ✔
Mitten Paws vs. Patty Paws: “Mitten” paws have an extra toe that looks like a thumb. “Patty” paws have extra toes in line with the others, making the foot look like a snowshoe.
Health & Care
Polydactyly itself is a harmless genetic mutation (unlike conditions like radial hypoplasia, which affects the leg bones). However, paw care is crucial.
💅 Nail Trimming is Vital
The extra toes sometimes have claws that don’t wear down naturally because they don’t touch the scratching post. These claws can grow into the paw pad if not trimmed regularly. Check their “thumbs” often!
Is the American Polydactyl Right for You?
If you want a conversation starter, a piece of literary history, and a sturdy, affectionate companion with really cool feet, look no further.
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Hemingway
— Last update —
Polydactylism is actually an irregularity wherein a creature has more than the normal number of toes. This is what the American Polydactyl cat actually has. These cats are also popularly known as conch cats, mitten cats, thumb cats, cardi-cats, boxing cats, mitten-foot cats, six-fingered cats, snowshoe cats, and Hemingway cats. This cat can grow large and has a strong body. I like its round eyes. There are some bobtailed American Polydactyl cats and they are usually shorter than those cardi-cats with long tails. These cats are very relaxed and are great even in places with extremely cold weather. They are very sociable and they adore children.
One of the photos here is a photo I took of a kitten we had in foster care named Spike. He was in a litter of 4. One of the kittens was not polydactyl. The shelter listed the kittens as domestic short hairs or in other words, randomly bred street cats. In my experience polydactyl is just a matter of a single gene. The only thing that makes them different from their base breed is that they have extra toes.
I have two of these cats, one black and the other black with a little bit of white. They are the sweetest cats and the all black one begs for food all the time (even though there is food always available) and the other calls me to come to bed with her. I LOVE these cats!
I meant to add that they both have lots of toes. They have seven on each of the front feet and 5 on each of the back feet. Both of them are the same way. It’s interesting to watch them walk. They don’t seem to be bothered by the extra toes. Their front feet look like mittens.
I have a polydactyl kitten named Gemma. And she has her own little personality. She loves to play and she likes to stare you down. I love this cat.
I live in the Netherlands and I have a female polydactylo cat all 4 paws. “Sixto Hemmingway”.. She has had several litters and 30% of her litter is also polydactylo and are extremely beautiful, lovable and I find more intelligent. I also noticed they have a extra long tail. If i could I would like to add pictures of her paws and those of her extraordinary kittens.
Hello I just adopted a polydactyl cat she is loyal, loving she is not to fond of my grandson maybe because he is wild and loud she does not come upstairs because we have another cat that tries to bully her but the other cat is a 1yr. old but she is kind of chubby we are working with them on getting alone because the polydactyl cat will just hide from the other cat maybe she can tell the other cat is a baby and she is much older how do I make them get along any advise I’m all ears and thanks in advance