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Cats/BIG PAWS

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Expert: - 8/26/2009


Question
I HAVE SEVERAL KITTENS AND CATS WITH 24 TOES ON EACH PAW. IS THIS A NEW BREED OR A RECORD.

Answer
Teresa,

Cats with extra toes are referred to as Hemmingway Polydactyls since many of Ernest Hemmingway's cats had extra toes. Loosely translated polydactyl which means many digits. I have no idea what the world record is for the highest number of toes on a polydactyl cat, if you're interested in finding out what the record actually is. 24 toes on each paw is a somewhat significant finding when it comes to the polydactyl cats. Most polydactyl cats that I've seen, heard about and/or cared for generally don't have much beyond 8-9 extra toes on each paw.

I would strongly advise against allowing these cats to reproduce partially because there's already an incredibly serious pet overpopulation problem that results in so many healthy cats and kittens being euthanized in animal shelters worldwide because there aren't enough good forever families out there prepared to make the lifetime commitment necessary  to take care of these abused, abandoned, discarded and forgotten cats and kittens. It's really important from a medical and behavioral standpoint to have these kitties spayed/neutered ASAP to prevent an overwhelming population explosion that can get seriously out of hand very quickly. If you're interested in the health and behavioral benefits of spaying and neutering cats and kittens you can check out my previous answers containing that information including pregnancy/mating and house soiling. If you're unable to access those answers or you have further questions, concerns or you need more information on the subject I'd be more than happy to help you out by sending that information your way.

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Ali

Expertise

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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