The Polydactyl Maine Coon: Extra Toes, Extra Love

If you've ever seen a Maine Coon that looks like it's wearing oversized mittens, you've probably met a Polydactyl Maine Coon. These incredible giants have extra toes, making their already massive paws look even bigger.

As a European Maine Coon breeder, I receive constant requests for polydactyl kittens. Here is a complete guide to understanding what polydactylism is, where it comes from, and what it means for the health of your future kitten.

What is a Polydactyl Maine Coon?

The word "polydactyl" comes from the Greek words poly (many) and daktulos (digits). A normal cat has 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. A polydactyl cat can have anywhere from six to eight toes on a single paw!

This genetic trait is especially famous in Maine Coons. Historically, these cats were ship cats in New England. Sailors believed the extra toes gave the cats better balance on rough seas and made them superior mouse hunters.

The "Hemingway Cat" Connection

Polydactyl cats are famously known as "Hemingway cats." The famous author Ernest Hemingway was gifted a six-toed white cat named Snowball by a ship captain. Today, the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West, Florida, is home to dozens of polydactyl cats, many of them descendants of Snowball.

Are Extra Toes a Health Problem?

This is the most important question families ask. No, polydactylism is not a deformity or a disease. It is a simple, harmless genetic mutation.

The gene responsible for extra toes in Maine Coons (the Pd gene) is completely safe. It does not cause skeletal issues, arthritis, or pain. The only extra maintenance a polydactyl Maine Coon requires is trimming those extra claws, as they sometimes grow at slightly different angles and need regular clipping to prevent them from growing into the paw pad.

European Lines and Polydactylism

While polydactylism originated in American working cats, many elite European breeding programs have preserved this trait while breeding for the massive size, heavy bone structure, and wild look that European lines are famous for. A European Polydactyl Maine Coon is truly the best of both worlds: extreme size with those famous "catchers mitt" paws.

Are They More Expensive?

Because the trait is highly sought after and requires careful breeding to preserve, polydactyl Maine Coons are often in high demand and may command a slightly higher adoption fee. They are rare, unique, and incredibly special companions.