Polydactyl Maine Coons

Some Maine Coons are born with extra toes — a trait called polydactyly. Far from a flaw, it is a piece of the breed's own history. Polydactyl cats were common among early New England Maine Coons, where the broad, snowshoe paws were thought to help them travel over deep snow. By some historical estimates, a large share of early Maine Coons were polydactyl before selective breeding for show reduced their numbers.

Genetically, the classic Maine Coon polydactyly is caused by a dominant gene (often written Pd). Because it is dominant, a kitten needs only one copy from one polydactyl parent to inherit extra toes, which is why the trait passes readily through a line. Responsible polydactyl breeding avoids the harmful forms of the trait and focuses on the healthy, well-formed mitten and extra-toe expressions that cause the cat no difficulty at all.

The registries treat polydactyls differently. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognizes the Polydactyl Maine Coon and provides for it in the breed group, which is one reason many polydactyl enthusiasts register with TICA.

A polydactyl Maine Coon is every bit a Maine Coon — same temperament, same magnificent type — simply carrying a charming, historic trait on its paws. For many families, those big mittened feet are part of the appeal.