Cat breeds
Maine Coon Polydactyl
A Maine Coon with extra toes
A Maine Coon with extra toes. The trait traces back to the breed's working-cat origins in New England, where broad, snowshoe-like paws were an advantage on ships and in deep snow. In every other respect — size, coat, voice and temperament — they are Maine Coons.
Written with reference to The International Cat Association (TICA). Maine Coon Polydactyl on TICA
A photo of our Maine Coon Polydactyl is on its way
History
Extra toes were common in the original Maine working population — by some estimates around 40% of early Maine Coons were polydactyl — because the wide paws were an advantage on ships and in deep snow. The trait was bred out for the show ring and then deliberately preserved by breeders who wanted the working cat back.
Personality
Exactly the Maine Coon temperament: gentle, sociable, talkative in chirps and trills, and interested in everything you are doing.
Did you know?
The wide front paws are often called snowshoe paws or mitten paws, and sailors are said to have prized polydactyl cats as better climbers in rough weather.
Meet our Maine Coon Polydactyl cats
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