Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
Polydactyl cats are not rare, but they are less common than regular cats. They have an extra toe on each paw, which gives them a total of 18 toes. Polydactyl cats are believed to be descended from early domesticated cats in Europe and Africa.
Some people think that polydactylism is a genetic mutation, while others believe it’s a natural occurrence. Regardless of how they came to be, these special kitties are loved by many cat lovers around the world.
There’s no definitive answer to this question since there isn’t an official count of how many polydactyl cats there are in the world. However, estimates put the percentage of polydactyl cats at around 4%. So while they’re not exactly rare, they’re also not as common as your average house cat.
Polydactylism is a genetic mutation that causes a cat to have extra toes. It’s considered a fairly harmless deformity and doesn’t usually cause any health problems for the cat. In fact, some people believe that polydactyl cats are actually luckier than their non-polydactyl counterparts!
If you’re thinking about adding a polydactyl cat to your family, be prepared for some extra litter box maintenance. Since they have more toes, they tend to track more litter out of the box than other cats. But overall, they make great pets and are just as loving and affectionate as any other feline friend.
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How Much is a Polydactyl Cat Worth?
If you’re looking for a unique cat, you might be interested in a polydactyl cat. These cats have an extra toe on each paw, which is caused by a genetic mutation. While this might not seem like a big deal, it does make them quite rare.
So, how much is a polydactyl cat worth? The answer depends on several factors, including the breeder, the cat’s coat color and pattern, and whether or not the cat is purebred. On average, though, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,000 for a polydactyl kitten.
Adult cats are usually less expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $600. Of course, if you’re looking for a show-quality or championship-level polydactyl cat, you can expect to pay even more – sometimes upwards of $5,000! However, most pet owners are just looking for a healthy and happy companion – regardless of how many toes they have.
What Percentage of Cats Have Polydactyly?
While the percentage of cats with polydactyly varies depending on the source, it is generally agreed that this condition is relatively rare. One study found that only 1.3% of cats examined had polydactyly, while another put the figure at around 4%. However, it is worth noting that some breeds are more prone to this condition than others – for example, Siamese and Maine Coon cats have a higher incidence of polydactyly than other breeds.
So, what exactly is polydactyly? This term refers to a congenital anomaly in which an animal has more than the usual number of digits on one or more limbs. In cats, this condition is usually characterised by the presence of an extra toe or two on one or both front paws.
While some cats with polydactyly are born with six toes on each paw (hexadactyly), others may have as many as eight (octodactly). There are several theories as to why some cats develop polydactyly, but the exact cause remains unknown. It is thought that the condition may be caused by a genetic mutation, although environmental factors such as inbreeding could also play a role.
Whatever the cause,polydacticlty does not appear to cause any health problems for affected cats and most lead normal, happy lives. In fact, many cat owners think their multi-toed feline friends are pretty special!
Are Polydactyl Cats More Intelligent?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that polydactyl cats are more intelligent than other cats. However, some people believe that because they have more toes, they must be smarter. There is no concrete proof of this, however.
Are Polydactyl Cats Desirable?
While some people might find polydactyl cats desirable, others may not. It really depends on the person’s preference. Some people might think that the extra toes make the cat look more unique and interesting, while others may think it looks a bit odd.
Ultimately, it comes down to what the individual finds appealing.
Do You Know These “Extra” Facts About Polydactyl Cats?
Are Polydactyl Cats More Expensive
Polydactyl cats, also known as “mitten cats” or “thumb cats,” are felines with a genetic mutation that causes them to have extra toes. While the condition is relatively rare in the overall cat population, it’s much more common in certain breeds, such as the Maine Coon. Polydactylism is considered a harmless physical anomaly and doesn’t generally affect a cat’s health.
While there’s no real difference in price between polydactyl and non-polydactyl cats of the same breed, purebred polydactyls may be more expensive due to their rarity. So if you’re looking for a unique feline friend and don’t mind paying a bit extra, a polydactyl cat might be the perfect fit!
Conclusion
No, polydactyl cats are not rare. In fact, they’re quite common in certain parts of the world. Polydactylism is a genetic mutation that causes a cat to have more than the usual number of toes on one or both paws.
The condition is relatively harmless and doesn’t cause any health problems for the cat. Polydactyl cats are often called “Hemingway cats” because author Ernest Hemingway was known to be fond of them.
About Author (Pauline G. Carter)
Pauline G. Carter is a well-known pet blogger who has written about the world of pets for several years. She is passionate about pets, from cats and dogs to birds, reptiles, and poultry. Her blog, which is updated regularly, is filled with articles and guides on pet care, nutrition, and training. She also shares her experiences and observations on pet ownership, making her blog relatable and informative for pet lovers. She is a true animal advocate and is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership. Let’s Go …
