Polydactyl Maine Coon
A polydactyl Maine Coon is a cat with polydactyly — more toes than usual. A normal cat has 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. A polydactyl has more, most often 22–24, thanks to extra toes (usually on the front paws, less often on the back). This gives the paws a wide, mitten-like look that many owners find especially charming.
Polydactyly in Maine Coons is not a defect or an illness — it is an inherited dominant trait. A single polydactyl parent is enough for some kittens in a litter to inherit the extra toes. Historically, polydactyl cats were common among the working Maine Coons of New England: their large paws helped ship and farm cats walk on snow and hunt more effectively.
With correct paw anatomy, polydactyly does not affect the cat's health, mobility, or lifespan in any way. A polydactyl Maine Coon runs, jumps, and plays just like any other. The only extra care needed is regular claw trimming on the additional toes, as these claws do not always wear down naturally.
Our catalog features polydactyl Maine Coon kittens from verified breeders across Russia. All kittens come with a pedigree, veterinary passport, age-appropriate vaccinations, and genetic tests (HCM, SMA). Delivery available to any city.
Частые вопросы о полидактах
What is polydactyly in cats?
Polydactyly is a congenital trait where a cat has more toes than usual. It is an inherited dominant trait (the Pd gene): the extra toes are passed from a polydactyl parent to its offspring. Polydactyly has historically been common in Maine Coons.
How many toes does a cat normally have, and how many does a polydactyl have?
A normal cat has 18 toes: five on each front paw and four on each back paw. A polydactyl has more — most often 22–24. In rare cases cats have been recorded with up to 28 toes.
Is polydactyly a defect or normal?
It is a cosmetic feature, not a defect or an illness. With correct paw anatomy the extra toes do not bother the cat. Most show systems do not judge polydactyls in the show ring as meeting the standard, but they live happily as beloved pets.
Does polydactyly affect a cat's health?
With a normal paw structure, no. A polydactyl moves, runs, and jumps just like any Maine Coon and lives just as long. Problems can only arise if an extra toe forms incorrectly, so responsible breeders pair cats to keep kittens' paws sound.
How do you care for a polydactyl's paws?
Care is almost the same as for any Maine Coon. The main difference: claws on the extra toes do not always wear down naturally, so they should be checked and trimmed regularly to prevent ingrowth. Otherwise a polydactyl's paws need no special care.
