How Many Toes Should a Cat Have? (And Why Some Have More)
If you’ve ever counted your cat’s toes (we won’t judge), you might’ve noticed something weird: not all cats have the same number. Most cats have 18 toes total — but some have more. A lot more. Welcome to the curious, sometimes chonky-footed world of polydactyl cats.
Let’s dig into the feline toe phenomenon. We’re talking anatomy, genetics, history, record-breaking paws, and what it’s like to live with one of these extra-toed wonders.
The Normal Toe Count: What’s “Standard” Anyway?
In most cats, here’s the standard toe situation:
- Front paws: 5 toes each
- Back paws: 4 toes each
That gives your average cat a total of 18 toes. The front paws include a little extra digit called the dewclaw — kind of like a thumb — that sits higher up and doesn’t touch the ground. It helps cats grip, climb, and hold onto their prey or your hand (depending on their mood).
So, 18 toes is the baseline. But as with many things in nature, some cats don’t follow the script.
What Are Polydactyl Cats?
Polydactyl cats are felines born with more than the usual number of toes. The word "polydactyl" comes from Greek: poly means "many," and daktylos means "digits" or "fingers." Some of these cats have six, seven, or even eight toes on one paw.
Sometimes the extra toe looks just like the rest. Other times, it sticks out at a weird angle or resembles a human thumb. People call them "mitten cats" or "thumb cats" because of how their feet look — almost like they’re wearing tiny boxing gloves.
In most cases, the extra toes show up on the front paws, though it’s possible (though much rarer) for cats to have extra digits on the back paws too.
What Causes Extra Toes?
Polydactyly is a genetic mutation, passed down through a dominant gene. That means if just one parent has the polydactyl trait, it’s likely some of the kittens will, too.
There’s no clear reason why the mutation happens, but it’s not harmful on its own. It’s simply one of those odd, charming little things evolution allows. It also doesn’t seem to offer any major survival advantage or disadvantage — it just... exists.
In some cases, polydactyly can be part of a broader genetic disorder (called radial hypoplasia), but that's extremely rare. Most polydactyl cats are perfectly healthy.
Where Are Polydactyl Cats Found?
Polydactyl cats are more common in some regions than others. You’re more likely to see them in:
- The Northeastern United States (especially Maine)
- Eastern Canada
- The U.K., especially Wales and Southwest England
This isn’t random. Seafaring days are to blame.
Back when ships crossed the Atlantic, sailors brought cats onboard to keep rodents in check. Polydactyl cats were considered lucky — some believed their wide paws made them better at balancing on rocking ships. These cats bred in small, localized populations at ports, and the gene spread.
Today, these extra-toed cats still pop up in the descendants of those nautical mousers.
Famous Polydactyl Cats
Hemingway’s Cats
Perhaps the most famous polydactyl cat fan in history was Ernest Hemingway. The story goes that a sea captain gifted Hemingway a six-toed cat named Snow White while he was living in Key West. Hemingway loved her, and soon his property became home to a colony of cats — many with extra toes.
Today, The Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West is still home to around 60 cats, roughly half of which are polydactyl. They even have their own caretaker and vet. Hemingway’s obsession helped turn polydactyls into a bit of a cult favorite.
How Many Toes Can a Cat Have?
We said 18 is the standard, but what’s the upper limit?
The Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat is currently 28. That’s seven toes per paw. One of the most famous record-holders was a cat named Jake from Canada, whose extra toes were fully developed, complete with claws, bones, and tendons.
If you’re wondering whether that many toes gets in the way — not really. Most of these cats move normally. Some owners even report that their polydactyl cats are more agile climbers.
Why Do Some Cats Have Extra Toes? (In a Nutshell)
Here’s the quick version:
- It's a genetic mutation. Polydactyly in cats results from a genetic anomaly that affects the development of their limbs during embryonic growth. blog.catbandit.com
- It's dominant, meaning it easily passes to offspring. This trait is inherited through an autosomal dominant pattern, so if just one parent carries the gene, there's a significant chance the kittens will, too. isaacmewton.net
- It's not harmful in most cases. Generally, polydactyl cats lead normal, healthy lives. The extra toes don't usually cause any issues, although regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth or ingrown nails.
- It's more common in certain coastal regions. Polydactyl cats are notably prevalent along the East Coast of North America, particularly in areas with rich seafaring histories like New England. This distribution is attributed to sailors who valued these cats for their hunting skills and believed they brought good luck. justcatcafe.com
- It makes cats look like they're wearing mittens, and that's just adorable. The extra toes often give the appearance of thumb-like appendages, leading to nicknames like "mitten cats" or "thumb cats."
Are Extra Toes a Problem?
Usually, no. Most polydactyl cats have no issues at all. But there are a few things to watch for:
1. Nail Growth
Extra toes = extra claws. And if those toes don’t hit the ground, they don’t naturally wear down. That can lead to:
- Ingrown nails
- Infections
- Discomfort or limping
2. Toe Placement
Sometimes the extra toes grow in odd places or are underdeveloped. They may look like little nubs or even double thumbs. If they’re not attached well or interfere with walking, a vet might recommend removal (though this is rare).
3. Injury Risk
More toes means more things to snag. Be extra cautious if your cat goes outdoors.
Do Polydactyl Cats Have Superpowers?
Not quite, but there are a few anecdotal claims:
- Better climbers – Thanks to broader, grippier paws
- More dexterous – Some cats seem to use their “thumbs” to open doors or hold toys
- Stronger balance – Supposedly helpful on slippery decks or uneven terrain
But let’s be honest — all cats think they have superpowers, with or without bonus toes.
Do I Need to Treat a Polydactyl Cat Differently?
Nope! They eat, sleep, play, and cause chaos like any other cat. Just make sure you:
- Trim their nails regularly
- Inspect their paws for debris or injury
- Talk to your vet if any toes look malformed or painful
If anything, they’re easier to love — those weird, chunky paws are hard to resist.
Adopt Don’t Shop (Especially the Weirdos)
Polydactyl cats do show up in shelters, and they often get adopted quickly because of their unique look. But they’re not a separate breed, and breeders should never charge extra for them. If you're looking to add a mitten cat to your home, check with local rescues.
And remember — extra toes or not, every cat deserves a comfy couch and a lap to ignore.
Final Thoughts
So, how many toes should a cat have? Technically: 18. But if your feline friend has more, consider it a lucky bonus. Polydactyl cats are just one of the many weird and wonderful ways nature spices up our everyday pets.
Whether you’ve got a sleek 18-toed ninja or a big-pawed snowshoe champion, one thing’s for sure: every toe is a step closer to cat greatness.
Some cats show their uniqueness through quirky behavior. Others flaunt it with bonus toes. Either way, every feline has their own flair.
Want to know what your cat’s personality says about you? Click here to find out — you might be more alike than you think.
P.S. Cat Toe Trivia
- Extra toes are usually on the front paws but can appear on the back too.
- Maine Coons are more likely to be polydactyl than other breeds.
- The technical medical term for toe-counting is digit enumeration (yeah, it's a thing).
- Some polydactyl cats have double dewclaws — thumb-on-a-thumb action.
