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Cats/polydactyl ??

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Expert: - 10/29/2009


Question
I found a stray kitten. He looks between 6 and 12 mos of age.

He has normal front feet, EXCEPT he has an extra claw on one toe on both feet!!

I took some pictures but can't find the cable for my camera or I would show pictures to show what I mean.

The claws can not be retracted, they stay out at all times, and he walks ... crooked. hard to explain. He looks cute but, is he in pain? does it hinder him?

I am planning on adopting him if no one claims him and I will take him to the vet.

But I have never seen a cat with extra claws in ONE toe.

Answer
Kayla,

It sounds to me like this baby has a variation of polydactyly. If you keep those claws (including the extras) trimmed short then I wouldn't expect that his anomaly would cause him any discomfort. If you keep the nails trimmed and the kitten still has trouble getting caught on things or appears to be in pain then a vet will have to assess whether corrective surgery is necessary (the vet may have to remove the extra claw on each toe, but I don't recommend proceeding with a complete declaw as it's very painful for the cats and it can lead to serious physical, psychological and behavioral issues later on). I tend to try for minimal intervention when it comes to cosmetic things, so I'd only suggest going ahead with the surgery if your kitty isn't comfortable even after a proper grooming. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything in this answer, please feel free to contact me again and I'll do my absolute best to help out.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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