Cats are toe-tally special

No high-fives here – these six-toed cats are toe-tally special.

Nine-year-old sisters Puddy and Baby came to our adoption centre in Cambridge when their owner developed an allergy to cats.

During a routine health check staff discovered they both have six toes on each foot.

Most cats have five toes on each of their front paws and four on the back so these two have six extra toes each! 

The term for animals and humans with extra toes is polydactyl. Having extra digits on both the front and hind legs like this is not very common but rarely causes a problem.

Cambridge adoption centre manager, Alan Maskell, says: “In past times it was considered lucky, especially by sailors who prized them as expert ratters and lucky mascots aboard their ships, where they believed the extra toes gave the cats more grip in heavy weather.

“In America cats like this are often referred to as Hemingway cats because Ernest Hemingway kept several former ship’s cats at his Key West home and at least half of their descendants living there today have the same condition.”

He added: “Having extra toes doesn’t hinder Puddy and Baby in any way - if anything they’re probably lighter on their feet! They’re a cheeky, affectionate duo and are looking for a loving home together.”

If you think you could offer these special girls a home, the Blue Cross digits to call are 01223 350 153 or you can find out more about Puddy and Baby online.