What, specifically, is the standard with regard to splayed feet? I have a beautiful boy, who has them as does his brother? What causes this?

-- Anonymous, December 23, 1998

Answers

Response to breed standards

Uh, Splayed Feet?, You mean Polydactylism, right?

-- Anonymous, December 24, 1998

Response to breed standards

No, not poly..he has the correct number of toes. I mean like cow hocks, his feet point outwards. His front paws are not straight, but not so severe that it would look deformed. Just wondering how common this is in the Maine Coon breed.

-- Anonymous, December 24, 1998

Response to breed standards

No Maine Coon standard that I have specifically addresses the straightness of legs (front or back -- although I know a number of breeders are concerned about cowhocking, which is a common fault in some lines, and try to breed away from it).

I don't think crookedness in the front legs is particularly common. I had one kitten with a very turned-out front foot, but it corrected itself as he got older.

Regards,

Ambar

-- Anonymous, December 31, 1998