Disorder - Polydactyly

Organ Systems Involved
Musculoskeletal

Alternative Names
Polydactylism; Hemingway Cat; Hemingway; Boxers; Boxing cat; Mitten cat; Thumb cat; Six-finger cat; Boston thumb cat; Cardi-cat; Double-pawed cat

Presenting Signs

Polydactyly (extra digits) is quite a common trait among cats. In a normal cat, each front paw has four toes and one dewclaw while the hind paw has only four toes. Polydactyly cats may possess as many as seven digits on the front and/or hind paws. Any combinations from four to seven digits are common, with the front and back paws usually having the same combination. Polydactyly is most commonly found on the front paws only, while polydactyly in all four paws is less common. Polydactyly on the hind paws only is considered to be very rare.

Treatment

Surgical: this is only implicated if the extra digit is overgrown, ingrowing, or grown in a way where it is deformed. This is due to the possible damage of the claw growing into the side of the foot. Furthermore, the cat may be prone to nail infection due to accidental tearing/damage of the claw. The other option is no treatment.

PubMed References
Polydactyly

Contributor
Cherlene Lee