I recently adopted an orange MC from the local Humane Society. Granted, they didn't take a DNA sample and compare it with other cooncats, but I'll take their word for it. Anyway, Baskin seems to share many of the breed's characteristics: he's massive, very talkative, has ear tufts and is doglike in the way he follows me around. And another thing: he's got an extra toe on each front paw that looks like a little thumb(God help us all if it turns out his "thumb" is opposeable and he learns how to use it!). Is this a common characteristic among Maine Coons, or is he just a freak whose interests would better be served travelling in a carnival around the South?

Everett

-- Anonymous, March 06, 1999

Answers

It is estimated that about 40% of the original Maine Coons were polydactyl. It is an important part of their heritage. At this time, polydactyl Maine Coons can be breed but cannot be shown for Championship. Some people would like to see this changed, so the polydactyl can be shown. Without papers, you cannot tell if your cat is really a Maine Coon or a look a like Maine Coon, but polydactyls are very special. Love him. Treasure him.

-- Anonymous, March 07, 1999