Maine Coon cats are known for their stunning size, gentle personalities, and luxurious coats. However, another unique feature that some Maine Coons possess is polydactylism, a genetic trait that causes cats to be born with extra toes. While this characteristic is fascinating, it has led to the common question: Are all Maine Coons polydactyl?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history, genetics, and prevalence of polydactylism in Maine Coons, explore how this trait affects their health and daily lives, and clarify the misconceptions surrounding the idea that all Maine Coons are polydactyl. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether your Maine Coon might carry this unique trait and how it affects the breed as a whole.
What Is Polydactylism in Cats?
Polydactylism is a genetic condition that causes a cat to be born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more paws. Normally, cats have five toes on their front paws and four toes on their hind paws, for a total of 18 toes. However, polydactyl cats can have six, seven, or even more toes on their paws, depending on the severity of the trait.
The term “polydactyl” comes from the Greek words “poly,” meaning many, and “daktulos,” meaning digits (fingers or toes). While polydactylism is most commonly seen in the front paws, some cats may have extra toes on their back paws as well.
Types of Polydactylism
Polydactylism can vary in its expression. Some polydactyl cats may only have one extra toe on each paw, while others can have multiple extra digits. These toes are usually functional, meaning the cat can use them for walking, climbing, and grasping objects just like any other toe.
The shape and position of the extra toes can vary:
- Preaxial polydactylism: Extra toes form on the inner, thumb-side of the paw (the side closest to the body). This is the most common form of polydactylism in cats and often results in what looks like an extra “thumb.”
- Postaxial polydactylism: Extra toes form on the outer side of the paw (the side farthest from the body). This form of polydactylism is less common but still occurs in some cats.
Polydactylism Across Cat Breeds
Polydactylism isn’t exclusive to Maine Coons. It can appear in any cat breed, but it is more prevalent in some populations, particularly those along the northeastern coast of the United States and Canada. It’s believed that the polydactyl trait was more common in working cats aboard ships, where extra toes might have provided better balance and grip while navigating rough seas.
Are All Maine Coons Polydactyl?
No, not all Maine Coons are polydactyl. While polydactylism is more common in Maine Coons than in many other breeds, it is not a trait that all Maine Coons share. It’s estimated that about 40% of the original Maine Coon population carried the polydactyl gene, but today, the percentage of polydactyl Maine Coons is much lower due to selective breeding practices.
The Genetics of Polydactylism in Maine Coons
Polydactylism is caused by a dominant gene in cats, which means that only one copy of the gene (inherited from one parent) is needed for a cat to be born with extra toes. If a Maine Coon carries the polydactyl gene, there’s a 50% chance that they will pass it on to their offspring.
However, not all Maine Coons carry this gene, and many breeders have opted to avoid breeding polydactyl cats to align with breed standards set by cat fancier organizations. This has resulted in a lower prevalence of polydactylism among modern Maine Coon populations.
Polydactylism and Breed Standards
In some cat associations, such as The International Cat Association (TICA), polydactyl Maine Coons are recognized and allowed to compete in specific classes. However, other organizations, such as the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and The Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), exclude polydactyl Maine Coons from show standards because extra toes deviate from the established breed conformation.
Due to these differing standards, some breeders have chosen not to breed polydactyl Maine Coons, resulting in fewer polydactyl cats in the breed today. Despite this, polydactyl Maine Coons remain popular as pets and are often highly prized by enthusiasts for their unique appearance.
The History of Polydactyl Maine Coons
Historically, polydactylism was much more common in the Maine Coon breed. Early Maine Coons, which originated in the northeastern United States (particularly in Maine), were often working cats on farms and ships. Many of these cats carried the polydactyl gene, and it was believed that extra toes provided some advantage in climbing and hunting.
Polydactyl Cats on Ships
Polydactyl cats were frequently kept on ships to control the rodent population. Sailors believed that these cats, with their extra toes, were better at maintaining balance and navigating the sometimes slippery and unstable decks of ships. In fact, polydactyl cats were often called “sailor cats” or “ship’s cats.”
Because Maine Coons are descendants of these early working cats, it’s no surprise that the polydactyl trait was common in the breed’s early days. It’s believed that early Maine Coons were often polydactyl, as the trait may have provided some advantage in their rugged, outdoor environment.
Decline of Polydactylism in Modern Breeding
As the Maine Coon breed became more popular and breed standards were established, polydactylism was often seen as a deviation from the ideal conformation. Many breeders began selectively breeding non-polydactyl cats to align with show standards, which contributed to the decline of polydactyl Maine Coons.
Today, while polydactyl Maine Coons are less common, they are still beloved by cat owners and enthusiasts who appreciate this unique trait.
Is Polydactylism a Health Concern?
One common question among cat owners is whether polydactylism has any negative impact on a cat’s health or mobility. The good news is that polydactylism is not typically associated with any serious health problems. In fact, most polydactyl cats live normal, healthy lives and experience no difficulties as a result of their extra toes.
How Polydactylism Affects Cats’ Lives
Polydactyl cats can use their extra toes just like any other part of their paws. Many polydactyl Maine Coons are even more dexterous than their non-polydactyl counterparts, using their extra toes to grasp toys, climb, or manipulate objects.
However, there are a few minor considerations for polydactyl cats:
- Nail Care: Cats with extra toes will have more claws, and it’s important for owners to monitor their polydactyl Maine Coons’ nails and trim them regularly. Some of the extra toes may have claws that don’t retract properly or don’t wear down naturally, which can lead to overgrown nails if left unchecked.
- In rare cases, some cats may develop issues related to the shape or positioning of their extra toes, such as discomfort when walking. If you notice any signs of discomfort or limping in your polydactyl cat, a visit to the veterinarian may be necessary to ensure there are no structural problems with their paws.
For the vast majority of polydactyl Maine Coons, though, extra toes are simply a quirky, harmless feature that doesn’t negatively impact their lives.
Caring for a Polydactyl Maine Coon
If you’re the owner of a polydactyl Maine Coon, caring for their extra toes is relatively straightforward. Here are a few tips to help you keep your cat’s paws healthy:
Regular Nail Trimming
Since polydactyl cats have more toes, they also have more claws that need regular trimming. Make sure to inspect all of your cat’s toes, including any extra ones, and trim the nails as needed. If you’re unsure how to trim a cat’s nails, your veterinarian or a professional groomer can show you how.
Monitor for Injuries or Discomfort
Keep an eye on your polydactyl Maine Coon’s paws to ensure they’re not experiencing any discomfort or injury related to their extra toes. While most polydactyl cats don’t have any issues, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of limping, swelling, or irritation, particularly around the extra digits.
Provide Scratching Posts
Scratching posts are important for all cats, but they can be especially beneficial for polydactyl cats, as they help keep their extra claws in good condition. Make sure your Maine Coon has access to sturdy scratching posts or pads to help them naturally wear down their claws.
Are Polydactyl Maine Coons More Expensive or Rare?
While polydactyl Maine Coons are less common than non-polydactyl cats due to selective breeding, they are not extremely rare. Some breeders specifically focus on preserving the polydactyl gene in Maine Coons, and as a result, polydactyl kittens can still be found relatively easily.
In terms of price, polydactyl Maine Coons are generally not more expensive than their non-polydactyl counterparts. The cost of a Maine Coon kitten depends more on factors such as pedigree, health, and breeder reputation than on whether the cat has extra toes.
That being said, some cat enthusiasts may be willing to pay a premium for a polydactyl Maine Coon because of the uniqueness of the trait.
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To answer the question, are all Maine Coons polydactyl?—no, not all Maine Coons are born with extra toes. While polydactylism was once more common in the breed’s early history, selective breeding has reduced the prevalence of this trait. However, polydactyl Maine Coons are still loved by many and can be found in modern cat populations.
Polydactylism is a fascinating genetic trait that adds to the unique charm of certain Maine Coons. It’s a harmless feature that doesn’t typically impact a cat’s health or mobility and can even make some cats more dexterous. Whether your Maine Coon has extra toes or not, they remain one of the most majestic and beloved cat breeds, with or without polydactylism.
If you own a polydactyl Maine Coon, proper care, such as regular nail trimming and monitoring for discomfort, will help ensure that your cat’s extra toes don’t pose any issues. Whether your Maine Coon has 18, 20, or even more toes, they’ll continue to delight you with their playful, gentle nature and striking beauty.
