8 Reasons Why Polydactyl Maine Coons WILL Become Extinct!
You’re not seeing things, that huge floofy cat you’re staring at really does have extra toes!
This genetic quirk isn’t something to worry about, but there is a risk these cat’s might one day might become extinct. Can you help stop this?
What Is A Polydactyl Maine Coon Cat?
A polydactyl Maine Coon is a Maine Coon cat born with extra toes on one or more paws due to a genetic mutation. While most cats have 18 toes (5 on each front paw and 4 on each back paw), polydactyl Maine Coons can have up to 28 toes!
This gives their paws a big, mitten-like appearance and can sometimes resemble thumbs.
The Guinness World Record for most toes on a cat is 28 (held by a polydactyl cat named Jake).
Polydactyl Maine Coons were historically considered good luck on ships due to their extra toes, which were thought to help with balance and catching prey.
Why Do Some Cats Have Extra Toes?
The polydactyl trait is caused by a dominant gene mutation (Pd), meaning that if one parent carries the gene, about 40-50% of their kittens may inherit extra toes.
This mutation does not cause health problems and is purely a physical trait.
While polydactylism can occur in any cat breed, it is historically common in Maine Coons because early Maine Coons, bred in New England, benefited from extra toes for balance and grip on snowy, rough terrain.
Are Polydactyl Maine Coons Rare?
Polydactyl Maine Coons, also known as Hemingway Cats, are less common today because modern breeding practices have reduced the prevalence of the Pd gene.
They were once widespread in the breed’s early history – some sources estimate that up to 40% of the original Maine Coon population had extra toes! However, today between 2-15% of Maine Coons are polydactyl, depending on breeding lines.
Although not as widespread now, polydactyl Maine Coons are still highly sought after by cat lovers for their unique paws and historical significance.
Why Might These Cats Become Extinct?
While polydactyl Maine Coons were once common, their numbers have declined over time. Here are the main reasons why polydactyl Maine Coons might become extinct in the future:
1. Selective Breeding Practices
Many modern breeders focus on breeding Maine Coons that align with cat show standards, which often do not favor polydactyl cats.
Since major cat associations like TICA and CFA do not recognize polydactylism as part of the official breed standard, breeders have actively worked to eliminate the trait from bloodlines.
The impact of this is that with fewer polydactyl cats being intentionally bred, the trait is becoming rarer, making extinction a real possibility over time.
2. Genetic Dilution Over Generations
Polydactylism is caused by a dominant gene mutation (Pd gene), meaning a cat only needs one copy of the gene to have extra toes.
However, as breeders avoid selecting polydactyl cats for breeding, the gene is becoming less common within the Maine Coon population.
If fewer Maine Coons carry the Pd gene, it may eventually disappear entirely from the breed.
3. Show Cat Breed Standards Do Not Allow It
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA) do not allow polydactyl Maine Coons in their official breed competitions.
This discourages breeders from producing polydactyl kittens since they cannot be shown or win titles, which reduces their desirability in the breeding world.
Without recognition in major cat shows, breeders have little incentive to preserve this unique trait.
4. Breeder Preferences For Traditional Maine Coons
Many breeders prefer to produce purebred Maine Coons that meet the “perfect” breed standard, which means no extra toes.
Since many buyers seek pedigree cats, breeders prioritize characteristics like ear tufts, thick fur, and size, often overlooking polydactyl Maine Coons.
Consequently, fewer breeders intentionally breed polydactyl Maine Coons, making them increasingly rare.
5. Declining Demand From Cat Owners
While some cat lovers adore polydactyl Maine Coons, many owners prefer traditional five-toed Maine Coons simply because they are more common.
Additionally, some owners mistakenly believe polydactyl cats may have health problems, leading to lower demand for these unique felines.
If fewer people adopt or buy polydactyl Maine Coons, breeders will stop producing them, leading to a further decline in their population.
6. Overbreeding Of Standard Maine Coons
The popularity of Maine Coons has skyrocketed, leading to mass breeding of standard Maine Coons.
Large-scale breeders and kitten mills rarely breed polydactyls, as they aim to sell as many kittens as possible that fit the traditional breed standard.
Thus, the more that standard Maine Coons are bred, the less room there is for polydactyl bloodlines to survive.
7. Stray And Shelter Polydactyl Cats Neutered/Spayed
Many polydactyl Maine Coons that end up in shelters are spayed or neutered before adoption, preventing them from passing on their rare trait.
Since polydactylism was once common in New England farm cats, many of these natural bloodlines have been lost due to widespread sterilization.
With fewer polydactyl cats reproducing, their numbers continue to decline.
8. Misconceptions About Polydactyl Health Issues
Some people wrongly believe that polydactyl Maine Coons suffer from medical issues, such as joint pain or mobility problems.
While this is generally not true, the misconception leads some breeders and owners to avoid polydactyl cats in favor of standard Maine Coons.
If fewer people want polydactyl Maine Coons, they will be bred even less frequently, increasing the risk of extinction.
Can Polydactyl Maine Coons Be Saved?
Some breeders and cat lovers actively work to preserve polydactyl Maine Coons, ensuring they do not go extinct. For example:
✔️ TICA now recognizes polydactyl Maine Coons in a separate category, allowing them to be registered and bred responsibly.
✔️ Some breeders specialize in polydactyl Maine Coons, ensuring the Pd gene continues in future generations.
✔️ Awareness about polydactyl Maine Coons is growing, leading to increased demand among cat lovers.
Types Of Polydactyl Paws
Polydactyl Maine Coons don’t just have random extra toes – there are specific types of polydactyl paws, each with its structure.
Here are the most common types:
1. Mitten Paws (Preaxial Polydactyly)
- Appearance: Looks like the cat has “thumbs,” similar to human hands.
- Toe Placement: Extra toes appear on the inside of the paw (medial side), giving the paw a mitten-like shape.
- Functionality: Some cats use their “thumbs” to grip objects more effectively!
2. Snowshoe Paws (Postaxial Polydactyly)
- Appearance: The entire paw looks wide and oversized, resembling snowshoes.
- Toe Placement: Extra toes grow evenly on both sides of the paw.
- Functionality: Provides better balance and stability, especially on soft or uneven surfaces.
3. Double-Pawed (Radial Polydactyly)
- Appearance: A very wide paw that looks like two paws fused.
- Toe Placement: Extra toes grow on both the medial and lateral sides of the paw.
- Functionality: These cats often have stronger grip strength and can even pick up small objects!
Do Extra Toes Affect A Cat’s Life?
Not at all! Some polydactyl Maine Coons have better balance and dexterity than regular cats. Their extra toes can help them:
✔️ Walk more steadily on snowy or uneven surfaces
✔️ Climb and grip objects more easily
✔️ Appear even larger than a standard Maine Coon
However, extra toes mean more claws to trim, and owners should regularly check for overgrown or ingrown nails.
How To Care For Their Paws
Polydactyl Maine Coons have extra toes, which can make their paws more prone to issues like:
- Overgrown Nails
- Dirt Buildup
- Minor Injuries
1. Regular Nail Trimming
Polydactyl cats have more claws than normal cats, which means extra trimming is required to prevent:
✅ Overgrown nails – Extra toes can have nails that don’t get worn down naturally.
✅ Ingrown nails – Some extra toes are positioned awkwardly, causing nails to curl into the paw pad.
✅ Snagging on furniture or carpets – More nails = more chances of getting stuck!
🛠 How to Trim:
- Use cat nail clippers or a small grinder for a smooth finish.
- Trim every 2-3 weeks to prevent excessive growth.
- Pay extra attention to hidden nails that may be tucked between extra toes.
2. Keep Their Paws Clean
Extra toes mean more spaces where dirt, litter, or debris can get trapped. This can lead to infections or discomfort.
🛠 How to Clean:
- Use a damp cloth or a pet-friendly wipe to gently clean between the toes.
- Check for redness, swelling, or signs of infection (especially in deep paw crevices).
- If needed, trim excess fur between the toes to reduce dirt buildup.
3. Watch For Mobility Issues
Most polydactyl Maine Coons walk, run, and jump normally, but some may have extra toes that cause slight balance issues.
🔍 What to Watch For:
- Limping or an awkward gait
- Difficulty climbing or landing from jumps
- Favoring one paw over the others
🛠 What to Do:
- Ensure their nails are trimmed, as overgrown nails can affect movement.
- If they seem uncomfortable, visit a vet to check for joint issues or toe deformities.
4. Buy A Scratching Post!
With more claws than a regular cat, a polydactyl Maine Coon needs a good scratching outlet to keep their nails filed down naturally.
💡 Best Scratching Post Features:
✅ Tall & Sturdy – Maine Coons are heavy, so a weak post won’t hold up.
✅ Multiple Surfaces – Rope, carpet, and wood give variety for scratching.
✅ Horizontal & Vertical Options – Some polydactyls prefer different angles to work out all their claws.
5. Vet Checkups For Hidden Issues
Since polydactyl cats have extra bones and joints, they can be prone to minor skeletal abnormalities. Regular checkups help catch any problems early!
🐾 Common Issues to Monitor:
- Malformed extra toes that cause discomfort
- Bacterial infections from trapped debris
- Arthritis or joint strain (especially in senior cats)
