Some Maine Coons come with bonus toes — and people ask me about this all the time. "Do you breed polydactyl kittens?" "Are extra toes a problem?" "Should I look for one?" The trait has a fascinating history tied directly to the breed's ship-cat origins, and I have opinions. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Polydactyly?
Polydactyly is a genetic trait that causes cats to have extra toes. Normal cats have 18 toes (5 on each front paw, 4 on each back). Polydactyl cats can have 6, 7, or even 8 toes on a single paw. The extra toes are fully functional and typically give the paws a distinctive "mitten" or "snowshoe" appearance.
The Ship Cat Connection
Polydactyl cats were prized on sailing ships — the extra toes gave them better grip on wet decks and potentially better mousing ability. Since Maine Coons likely descended from these ship cats, polydactyly was historically common in the breed. Some early estimates suggest up to 40% of Maine Coons in the breed's homeland were polydactyl.
Show Ring Status
For decades, polydactyl Maine Coons were disqualified from most cat shows. CFA still does not accept them. However, TICA now recognizes polydactyl Maine Coons in a separate category, and the trait has experienced a resurgence of interest among breed enthusiasts who view it as part of the breed's authentic heritage.
Health Implications
Polydactyly in Maine Coons is generally benign. The extra toes don't cause pain or mobility issues. The main considerations:
- Extra nails need regular trimming — they can grow into the pad if neglected
- Occasionally, an extra toe may be positioned awkwardly and catch on things
- No association with other health problems
- The gene is autosomal dominant — one polydactyl parent can produce poly kittens
Should You Seek Out a Polydactyl?
Here's my honest take: I don't actively breed for polydactyly at Chatlerie. My focus is on European bloodlines, health testing, and temperament — and none of my current royals (Euro, Coco, Angel, Libra, Eddie) carry the poly gene. That said, I have enormous respect for breeders who preserve the polydactyl trait thoughtfully. It's part of the breed's authentic heritage, and a well-bred polydactyl Maine Coon is every bit as magnificent as a standard-toed one.
If polydactyly is important to you, I'm happy to refer you to poly-focused breeders I trust. There's no wrong answer here — it's purely a matter of what speaks to your heart.
The Bottom Line
Polydactyl Maine Coons are charming, historically significant, and perfectly healthy. They're a living link to the breed's seafaring origins. At Chatlerie, we focus on European bloodlines with standard toes — but we love polys and respect breeders who preserve the trait responsibly. Start your application →