January–March 2003

Holy Mackerel, They’re Polydactyl!

Poly-what? Polydactyl cats are also known as extra-toes, mitten, and Hemmingway cats (more about that later). The word polydactyl comes from Greek, meaning “many digits.” Most cats have five toes on their front feet and four on the back, but polydactyls can have six or seven (or more) front toes and extra back toes, as well.

How did they get here? Polydactyl cats are thought to have first come to the Americas on ships that sailed over from Europe. Some people theorize that the extra toes helped the cats keep their balance, and others point to the fact that sailors considered extra-toes cats lucky. In any case, they came and multiplied, and today polydactyly may be found in most breeds. (It is considered a fault in purebred cats, with the exception of the pixie bob.)

How did they get the name Hemmingway cats? Earnest Hemmingway was a real cat lover. He had many cats at his home in Key West. He was given his first polydactyl cat by a sailor, and over the years the polydactyl gene was passed down to generations of cats born at the house. Today, his former home is a museum and Hemmingway left instructions in his will that the cats be cared for. Of the sixty cats in residence at the museum, about half are polydactyls. Hemmingway made the polydactyl cats at his house so famous that today polydactyl cats are often called Hemmingway cats.

Do polydactyl cats have any special requirements? Most polydactyl cats do not experience any problems with their extra toes. However, if you have a polydactyl cat, you may want to check that they are able to properly sharpen their extra claws. Some cats (like my Morrisson) need to have their extra claws trimmed because they cannot sharpen them. Keeping their claws trimmed can also help them from getting their claws hooked (on rugs, blankets, etc.). If you are concerned that your cat’s polydactylism may be causing him or her problems, please talk to your veterinarian.

Morrisson has two extra toes on each front paw and one extra on the back paws. That’s 24 toes in all!

Anonymous angel donors
for their generous contribution to our
building and general funds

Dr. Pam Fritsch, Wilma Crawford
and Brenda Kerr for their never-ending
efforts on our behalf,
including the Angel Tree
and raffle during the holidays

Thank you to everyone who generously donated funds, food, cat toys, etc. to C.A.P.T. through the Angel Tree at Dr. Pam Fritsch’s office and at the PetSmart Wish Tree during the holidays!

Thanks also to our Santa Paws volunteers
and to everyone who helped us raise
$2,000 from this event!

Thank You for your Support!

Please Join Us for the Following Club Events:

Sunday, April 27 from 1–3 p.m.:
Benefit Hair and Fashion Show
The Unveiling of the Safari Collection: "Untamed Tresses" by Sherry Gordon
At the Avalon Inn in Warren
Tickets: $40 in advance, $45 at the door with reservations made by April 12

Saturday, May 17:
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Bake Sale at Sam’s Club in Niles

For more information about the events, to purchase tickets to the show, or to donate baked goods to the bake sale, please contact Patti Shaffer at 330-507-0703 or by e-mail at pshaffer@catsarepeopletoo.org. All proceeds from these events directly benefit the cats and kittens in our care. Thank you, and we’ll see you there!