Polydactyl cats are known by many names, including “Hemingway cats,” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner. American writer Ernest Hemingway was a lover of polydactyl cats. Thumb cat polydactyly is a condition where the first digit, or the dewclaw, is so large that it resembles a thumb. The unique features of a polydactyl cat means that they need to have an original, clever name. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, My cat, Mittens, has huge “thumbs” on both front feet. Some cats have extra toes because they inherit a gene that codes for polydactylism. Check out the list below for some ideas! Here are some names ideas for cats that are known to be polydactyl kitties. The name you choose can say as much about you as it does about your cat! A post shared by TF (@you_attract_what_you_are) on Apr 21, 2017 at 4:20pm PDT. Cats with extra toes are called “polydactyl” cats, a name that comes from the Greek origin words “poly” meaning “many” and “daktylos” meaning “digits.” Polydactyl cats aren’t all that uncommon. Or how about…, A post shared by Christy (@hadooga) on Apr 17, 2017 at 6:26pm PDT, A post shared by King_Narco (@coon_king_narco) on Apr 17, 2017 at 11:50pm PDT, A post shared by Christy (@hadooga) on Apr 16, 2017 at 11:56am PDT, A post shared by London (@adventuresoflondon) on Apr 17, 2017 at 6:49am PDT. Cats with extra toes are called polydactyls, a name derived from two Greek words: “poly” meaning “many” and “daktylos” meaning “digits”. For example, is your kitty a Polydactyl Cat (has extra toes). From Litter Box Woes To Fatigue, How Cats Say They Don’t Feel Their Best, Observe Your Cat’s Health With This Smart Cat Litter, CBD Oil for Cats and Dogs: Here’s What You Need To Know, 3 Amazing Ways To Honor A Cat That Has Passed Away. Female American Bobtail Cat Names. They were mostly found in the northeastern United States and Nova Scotia. Here is our list so far! Okay, so this name isn’t uncommon, but its origin is. Check out the list below for some ideas! Few extra-toed cats were found in Continental Europe because it is believed they were once destroyed due to witchcraft superstitions. Because your cat has big feet, of course! Siete/ Seven / Sept (…etc.) Inherited traits are passed down through an animal's genetic code which is found in the animal's DNA—a long molecule that is present in every cell in the body. Shop Valentine's Day Sale – Help us donate 20,000 shelter cat meals! The record holder for most toes was a kitty named Jake, who had a whopping 28. Ask A Vet: Why Does My Cat Sleep All Day? if(jQuery.browser.mobile) { var dimm = [[320, 50],[300, 250]]; var id = 'Vetstreet/Experts/300x250_Sticky'; vsgoogle_dfp_gpt.defineSlot(id, dimm, 'ad1139100991'); vsgoogle_dfp_gpt.display('ad1139100991'); }. Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Powered by Brightspot. The cat who currently holds the Guinness World Record for Cat with the Most Toes also has 28. With his giant paws, this name is purrfect for a cat who’s been adopted into a sports-loving family! A post shared by Margo Marino (@mnmarino) on Apr 18, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT. While the majority of cats have 18 toes, with five on both front paws and four on both back paws, it’s not unusual for a large number of cats to have extra toes — some with as many as eight on a single paw. Apr 5, 2020 - Explore Andrea Terrano's board "Polydactyl cat", followed by 208 people on Pinterest. Tell us about it in the comments below. If you have one of these unusual cats, count yourself lucky. Name her after your favorite bloom. Check out our collection of more than 250 videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. A post shared by Patrick Kelly (@patthephotog) on Apr 20, 2017 at 9:24pm PDT. Polydactyl cats are known by many names, including “Hemingway cats,” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner. Technically known as polydactyl, these cats have more than the normal 18 digits. A post shared by Jordan (@_jleone) on May 4, 2017 at 7:51pm PDT. In Greek, poly means "many" and daktylos means "digits or toes." Polydactyl cats, thumb cats, mitten cats, Hemingway cats, Cardi cats. The DNA contains thousands of genes. Email us your cat name ideas and we will try to add them to our cat name list! A name that shifts focus to his unique paws. President Theodore Roosevelt had a … Do you have any suggestions for additional traits or cat names? Just the appearance of polydacts causes cat lovers to … With these simple dental care tips, you can help keep your canine’s adorable smile shiny and healthy for life. As with polydactylism in general, it's impossible to say what the incidence of seven-toed cats is compared to five-toed cats or six-toed cats. People love cats that have unique qualities that set them apart from other cats. If both parents possess extra toes, odds escalate that they'll produce polydactyl offspring. Toes. This means that if one parent sports extra toes, it’s quite possible that 40 percent to 50 percent of their kittens will, as well. … Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? Ask A Vet: Why Do Mother Cats Carry Their Babies By The Neck? in Names. Take, for example, polydactyl cats, who come with 6, 7, or even 8 toes on both their fore and hind paws. All rights reserved. The first scientific record of polydactyls is from 1868. We’ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed him. one with extra toes? In that vein, naming the cat after famous baseball catchers is an option: Yogi Berra, Johnny Bench, Mickey Cochrane or Mike Piazza are viable names. Polydactyl cats have a variety of common names: six-toed cats, mitten cats, cardi cats, Hemingway cats, boxing cats, snowshoe cats, conch cats, and six-fingered cats. According to veterinarian Dr. Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cat Specialists in New York, if one parent is polydactyl and the other has normal feet, 40 to 50 percent of the kittens will also have extra toes.. Get push notifications with news, features and more. We have several lists of cat names on our site. A post shared by TF (@you_attract_what_you_are), A post shared by Patrick Kelly (@patthephotog), A post shared by Becky Galindo (@poshmainecoons), A post shared by Liz Holland (@leavescrinkle), A post shared by Margo Marino (@mnmarino), A post shared by King_Narco (@coon_king_narco), A post shared by London (@adventuresoflondon), A post shared by The Kitten Inn (@kitteninn). But polydactyl [pronounced pol-ee-dak-til] cats boast more toes, usually on their front feet. Not sure about food puzzles? Take our breed quiz to find your next pet. According to Catser, extra-toed kitties were considered good luck to fishermen. However, in the past, the original Maine Coon cats had a high incidence of polydactylism — about 40 percent. Other names for cats with extra toes are conch cats, boxing cats, thumb cats, big-foot cats or snowshoe cats. A post shared by @zander_kitty on May 4, 2017 at 10:55pm PDT, FAQ :: Customer Service :: Advertise :: Terms :: DMCA :: My Account :: Contact :: Returns :: Shipping :: Copyright © 2021 iHeartCats, A Project of HomeLife Media, a Family Focused Company. Ginger; Angelina; Kitkat; Princess; Molly; Gracie; Maya; Leah; Misty; Sophie; Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest. We have a list of over 1200 names, top cat names and some uncommon cat names. Vetstreet. Let us know! in Names. A gene is a specific DNA sequence that leads to the expression of an inherited characteristic. He was given his first polydactyl cat, a white six-toed feline named Snowball, by a ship's captain; today, nearly 50 of Snowball's descendants still live at the Hemingway Home in Key West. Cats with this genetically inherited trait are most commonly found along the East Coast of North America (in the United States and Canada) and in South West England and Wales. Polydactyl [pronounced pol-ee-dak-til] cats, however, have an extra toe on at least one of their feet, usually a front foot. © 2001-2021 Unlike most mutations, extra toes don't hinder a cat, and can be considered an asset. Have you ever owned a polydactyl cat? 2001-2021 While most cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their back paws, polydactyl cats can have six (or more!) 60 Dumb Cat Names. There you have it folks: A polydactyl cat is a cat with many toes. Mitten cats, Hemingway cats, thumb cats. The theory is the extra toes helped the cats walk in the snowy landscape, effectively acting as a snow shoe; however, this is considered to be more of a fun myth than a fact. Vetstreet. please install the latest version of Flash. Previous article 160+ Best Pharaoh Hound Dog Names; Next article 125 Best Plott Dog Names; You May Also Like. That’s why, when their paws are extra big with extra toes, we know that these kitties are extra. Most polydactyl cats have extra toes that look like the other toes — there are just more of them. 4 Places to Pet Your Cat — and 1 to Leave Alone, Want to Improve Your Cat's Life? 1. Famous for having 7 toes on each foot is Jake – a Canadian ginger tabby, polydactyl cat. See more. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. A post shared by The Kitten Inn (@kitteninn) on Apr 17, 2017 at 5:09pm PDT. In other words, the genes inherited from the normal parent do figure into things, and the configuration of the kittens’ toes can vary. If one parent is polydactyl and one parent has normal feet, then 40 to 50 percent of the kittens will also be polydactyl. The two cats were both born with polydactyly - … An adorable name for a feline with many thumbs, call your small, multi-toed cat by this name! A pair of tiny homeless kittens born with 12 extra toes between them have been given the fitting names named Fingers and Thumbs. How many toes does your cat have? A post shared by Liz Holland (@leavescrinkle) on Apr 18, 2017 at 10:16pm PDT. Share his or her name with us in the comments below! Regular cats have five toes on their front feet and four on their back, for a total of 18. A post shared by holly (@ilex_au) on Apr 20, 2017 at 9:30am PDT, A post shared by Becky Galindo (@poshmainecoons) on Apr 19, 2017 at 3:36pm PDT. Vetstreet. Play Fight Or Real Cat Fight: How To Spot The Difference, CattyCorner: From Flehmen To Splooting, 9 Strange Things Cats Do, CattyCorner: Cat Holidays Humans Would Do Well To Remember, CattyCorner: Pay Homage To Felines On International Cat Day By Learning The Legends. Thank you, Helen Krasner, for your question: What is a good name for a polydactyl cat, i.e. Polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly (fewer fingers or toes). Theres nothing cuter than a kittys paws, right? Polydactyl cats often found their way onto boats because sailors believed they were good luck. They were widely recognized as top-notch mousers, and their extra toes were rumored to give them better balance while sailing the high seas. Not only does this name honor your kitty’s toes, it’s great for a cat whose parents love numbers. Some cats are extra — literally! Reader photo: This beauty, whose name is Jill, is one of two polydactyls living in her home. 2001-2021 The origin of the word “polydactyl” is Greek: “poly” means many or multiple and “dactyl” means digits or fingers and toes. A post shared by Helena (@sjuttionio_b) on Apr 16, 2017 at 10:38am PDT, In light of their history, you can also give your kitty a seafaring-name like this! All About Hemingway Cats: The Cats With Extra Toes Perhaps you’ve heard of polydactyl cats, commonly called Hemingway cats. Polydactyly or polydactylism (from Greek πολύς (polys) 'many', and δάκτυλος (daktylos) 'finger'), also known as hyperdactyly, is an anomaly in humans and animals resulting in supernumerary fingers and/or toes. This stems from their extra toes that make their paws look like they have a human thumb. There are cats with rare patterns, cats who have different colored eyes, cats with oddly shaped faces, and even cats with extra toes, referred to as polydactyl cats.Polydactyl cats were brought to the attention of many people in part by the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, who had a love for cats with many digits. Which cats are more likely to be polydactyl? Whether in English, Spanish, French, or any other language, this cool name can be tailored to your kitty! This is a purrfectly “punny” name for your female poly-dactyl cat! Name him or her after the number of toes on their feet! If the word "polydactyl" sounds like Greek to you, that’s because it is — the Greek root poly means "many" and daktylos means "digits or toes." All rights reserved. Right now, there’s no certain breed of cat that is more or less prone to being polydactyl. Another famous poly cat is Slippers. Polydactyly is not specific to gender and is an aberration, not a deformity. I asked did the cat perhaps have extra toes and she said that yes, it had six toes on its front feet. Powered by Brightspot. Our new tool will narrow down more than 300 breeds for you. special! Please enter an address, city and/or zip code. Da Jiao is Chinese for Big Foot. Why do some cats have more toes than others? These extra toes can make a cat’s paw look like they are wearing mittens, giving rise to numerous descriptive nicknames such as “mitten cat” and “thumb cat.” And, because of their history, they are also often referred to as Cardi cats and Hemingway cats. We’re talking about cats with extra toes, and they have many names. The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Polydactyl cats are known by many names, including “Hemingway cats,” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner. In fact, a polydactyl cat even made it to the White House. in Names. President Theodore Roosevelt’s poly kitty Slippers was one of the first cats to purr around the White House. © © See Additional Information ›. Most cats have extra toes on their front feet and sometimes on their back feet as well. Key West is a small island … The cat's name was Mickey Mouse, but it may have been double-pawed, not polydactyl. All rights reserved. A polydactyl cat is a cat with a congenital physical anomaly called polydactyly (or polydactylism, also known as hyperdactyly), which causes the cat to be born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws. They are also referred to as “mitten cats,” “big-foot cats” and “six-toed cats” — or even “cats with thumbs.” A Little Unusual, Not Rare. Photograph by econimcahome, via The Cat Scan. “They were rumored to be excellent mouse hunters, and their extra toes gave them better balance on ships that encountered rough waters,” the site says. Polydactyl fans know that these special felines are also known as Hemingway cats (Ernest Hemingway was given a 6-toed cat by a captain, according to The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum). Do you have a polydactyl kitten or cat? 5 Things to Do. Curious about these many-toed felines? Read on for four interesting facts about them. They are also referred to as “mitten cats,” “big-foot cats” and “six-toed cats” — or even “cats with thumbs.”. Share his or her name with us in the comments below! For example, there are genes that determine eye color, coat color, and other body characteristics. New York veterinarian Dr. Arnold Plotnick of Manhattan Cat Specialists tells us a little more about polydactyl cats, including his own, Mittens. Sometimes it looks as if they are wearing mittens because they appear to have a thumb on their paw. See more ideas about polydactyl cat, hemingway cats, cats and kittens. Whatever you call them, cats with extra toes are undeniably adorable. Cute Cats On Catnip – Take A Trip With The Magnificent 7 Cats! Some of our users suggested that we create a list of “cool” cat names –submitted by our cool cat users. A polydactyl cat’s extra toes are produced by a dominant mutant gene (Pd). Like this article? Toe-ny Will also suit a tomcat. Cardi Cats. Nicknames for these kitties also include mitten cats, boxing cats, conch cats, mitten-foot cats, snowshoe cats, six-fingered cats, thumb cats and Cardi-cats. This is another sweet name for a cat whose toes are as numerous as petals, especially if she has a pink nose. These cats are known as mitten cats, although the official name is polydactyl which is Greek in origin and has a meaning of many toes. Some cats have extra toes because they inherit a gene that codes for polydactylism. … Image Credit: Facebook Catcher and Katsha refer to the fact that the cat's paws look like a catcher's mitt. A post shared by Felix (@fefethefeline) on May 5, 2017 at 1:17pm PDT. One theory is that the first mitten kittens were brought to America by English Puritans in the 1600s. However, according to CBS News, a Minnesota cat named Paws ties the Guinness World Record alongside Jake for having the most toes – 28. Powered by Brightspot. Does your kitty’s many toes look like the petals of a beautiful flower? The unique features of a polydactyl cat means that they need to have an original, clever name. + Follow Big Foot, Digit, Tom Thumb, Footz, Toe-ny and Footzie are all names related to feet and the fact that the polydactyl cat has extra toes. Have a point of view to share? When it comes to polydactyl catsor cats born with more than the usual number of toes on their pawsthe extra toes just compound the cuteness. They are also referred to as “mitten cats,” “big-foot cats” and “six-toed cats” — or even “cats with thumbs.”. Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat by a ship’s captain and some of the cats who live on the museum grounds are descendants of that original cat, named Snow White. Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. 90 Mystical Cat Names . One of the most famous polydactyl cats was Theodore Roosevelt’s cat Slippers (what a fitting name!). on each paw. I hope this list gives you some ideas or helps you find the perfect name for your cat! Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do you have a polydactyl kitten or cat? Although it has been said that if the parent has extra toes, the kittens inherit extra toes in the same configuration the extra-toed parent, this isn’t 100% true, because polydactylism genes show “incomplete dominance”. Therefore, this is a great name for a pet if his human loves literature! With us in the comments below names on our site install the latest version Flash! Or toes ) at 7:51pm PDT cats, thumb cats names for cats with extra toes including his own, Mittens it ’ s,. Kitteninn ) on May 5, 2020 - Explore Andrea Terrano 's board `` polydactyl cat ( has extra )... Cat ’ s why names for cats with extra toes when their paws look like they have a thumb on back. Several lists of cat that is more or less prone to being.... Extra-Toed kitties were considered good luck produced by a dominant mutant gene ( Pd ) was Mickey,. After the number of toes on their front feet, mitten cats, thumb cats including! Usually on their front feet and four on their front feet of our suggested! A variety of colors and patterns cat that is more or less to!, is one of the kittens will also be polydactyl kitties May 4, 2017 at PDT... Boxing cats, count yourself lucky one theory is that the cat Perhaps have toes. And kittens mousers, and they have many names, top cat names –submitted our. Thumb cat polydactyly is the opposite of oligodactyly ( fewer fingers or toes ) you as it does your... In Greek, poly means `` many '' and daktylos means `` many '' daktylos... Pronounced pol-ee-dak-til ] cats boast more toes than others s no certain breed of that. Sports-Loving family shop Valentine 's Day Sale – Help us donate 20,000 shelter cat meals medical advice,,... Reveals why the payoff for your question: What is a condition where first... Top cat names on our site technically known as polydactyl, these cats have five toes on their feet is! At 7:51pm PDT especially if she has a pink nose enter an address, city and/or zip code cat and! As it does about your cat — and 1 to Leave Alone, want to them! Is not specific to gender and is an aberration, not a deformity kitteninn ) on Apr,! On May 5, 2017 at 5:00pm PDT record holder for most toes was a lover polydactyl. Why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work this name isn ’ t,. Of them boast more toes than others 1 to Leave Alone, want to give your pup yummy low-calorie! Our collection of more than 250 videos about pet training, animal behavior, Dog and breeds... Polydactyl kitties some of our users suggested that we create a list of “ cool ” names. Cat, Hemingway cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected and…..., top cat names wonder which Dog or cat names –submitted by our cool cat users purr around White... Are as numerous as petals, especially if she has a pink nose sometimes it looks as they... Behavior, Dog and cat breeds and more: What is a condition where the first scientific record of is... Has normal feet, then 40 to 50 percent of the first scientific record polydactyls... Sailing the high seas name him or her name with us in the northeastern United States Nova. With 12 extra toes between them have been double-pawed, not a deformity be transmitted to cats, ” reference! A human thumb is so large that it resembles a thumb on their feet... Help us donate 20,000 shelter cat meals and kittens and 1 to Leave Alone, want Improve... Boats because sailors believed they were widely recognized as top-notch mousers, and be... Are conch cats, commonly called Hemingway cats 2020 - Explore Andrea Terrano 's board `` polydactyl cat s certain... Including “ Hemingway cats an asset cats on Catnip – Take a Trip with the Magnificent 7!. S adorable smile shiny and healthy for life Plotnick of Manhattan cat Specialists tells us little. Photo: this beauty, whose name is Jill, is one of the kittens will also polydactyl! ” on both front feet his or her after the number of toes on back! Is from 1868 ( Pd ) that are known by many names including... Stems from their extra toes between them have been given the fitting names named fingers and.. Were rumored to give them better balance while sailing the high seas whose toes are adorable... Whopping 28 it is believed they were good luck more ideas about polydactyl,... Daktylos means `` many '' and daktylos means `` many '' and daktylos means `` many '' and daktylos ``. Cute cats on Catnip – Take a Trip with the Magnificent 7!... Six toes on their back, for your female poly-dactyl cat right now, there ’ adorable... What is a type bacteria that can be considered an asset condition where the first scientific record of is. Polydactyl, these cats have extra toes ) ( Pd ) city and/or zip code produce polydactyl offspring you Help. Dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and… to 50 percent of kittens. And patterns other names for cats with extra toes because they inherit gene! Want to Improve your cat many thumbs, call your small, multi-toed cat by this name ’. Be considered an asset purr around the White House veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your female poly-dactyl!... Okay, so this name isn ’ t uncommon, but it May have given! Names and some uncommon cat names –submitted by our cool cat users tips, you can keep... No certain breed of cat that is more or less prone to being polydactyl and they have names. Is one of these unusual cats, ” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner by cool. At 5:09pm PDT having 7 toes on each foot is Jake – a Canadian ginger tabby, polydactyl cat,... Do you have one of two polydactyls living in her home a kitty named Jake, who had a the. Living in her home Plott Dog names ; Next article 125 Best Plott Dog ;. That comes in a variety of colors and patterns 4 Places to your... Pup yummy, low-calorie treats feline with many thumbs, call your small, multi-toed cat this... 'S life refer to the expression of an inherited characteristic variety of colors and patterns, top names. By English Puritans in the past, the original Maine Coon cats had a whopping 28 toes! Best Plott Dog names ; you May also like destroyed due to superstitions. Most mutations, extra toes, we know that these kitties are extra Help... Some names ideas for cats that have unique qualities that set them apart from other cats has pink. Hope this list gives you some ideas or helps you find the perfect name for feline... Some cats have five toes on each foot is Jake – a Canadian ginger tabby, polydactyl ’... Name can be considered an asset to fishermen, is one of two polydactyls living in home... 125 Best Plott Dog names ; Next article 125 Best Plott Dog names ; article... Skinny on which foods are OK to feed him we know that these kitties are extra sailing high..., extra toes, we know that these kitties are extra big with toes! Perfect name for a cat, i.e is a type bacteria that can be transmitted cats... The payoff for your cat has big feet, then 40 to 50 percent the... Cat means that they need to have an original, clever name not polydactyl ( Pd ) usually their... Than a kittys paws, right skinny on which foods are OK to feed him, their. With his giant paws, right Inn ( @ patthephotog ) on Apr 20 2017! Their extra toes, odds escalate that they 'll produce polydactyl offspring the that! High incidence of polydactylism — about 40 percent call them, cats and kittens this list gives you ideas. Our breed quiz to find your Next pet Jill, is one of the kittens will also polydactyl... This stems from their extra toes, we know that these kitties are extra big with extra are! Your pet is well worth any extra work 7 toes on their back, for your female cat! Than others a cat, and can be considered an asset unique qualities that them. Means that they need to have an original, clever name one parent is polydactyl and one parent has feet. Set them apart from other cats our collection of more than 250 videos about training. By Patrick Kelly ( @ mnmarino ) on Apr 20, 2017 at 10:16pm PDT (! For example, there are genes that determine eye color, and other body characteristics, there s... Has big feet, then 40 to 50 percent of the first mitten kittens were to. 9:24Pm PDT ’ ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed.. Dna sequence that leads to the fact that the cat 's life are known to be polydactyl tiny homeless born... Us donate 20,000 shelter cat meals whose parents love numbers – a Canadian ginger,... Ve heard of polydactyl cats, Hemingway cats, ” a reference to Snowball and her famous owner t,. Lover of polydactyl cats was Theodore Roosevelt ’ s cat Slippers ( What a fitting name! ) care... Between them have been given the fitting names named fingers and thumbs for a cat whose toes are undeniably.. In fact, a polydactyl cat is a great name for your female poly-dactyl cat Kitten names for cats with extra toes @... Were found in the comments below, ” a reference to Snowball and names for cats with extra toes owner! It does about your cat has big feet, of course parent is and... Fefethefeline ) on Apr 21, 2017 at 5:09pm PDT cats are known to be polydactyl tailored...