Our son was given an unidentified breed of cat, the biggest peculiar trait is the fact that each paw has six toes. I also understand that all of the other kittens in the litter do as well. Is this a defect or a genetic regression?

-- Anonymous, December 10, 1999

Answers

You find 6 toes in breeds such as the Pixie-Bob and sometimes the Maine Coon. This is called polydactyl. It is a genetic "situation" (I won't call it a fault since many breeders do not believe this is really "a fault"). Many of the cats living on Ernest Hemingway's estate are polydactyl and he loved that feature. The only problem you MAY run into is that there can be a tendency for the extra toe to snag on things, which could cause pain for the cat. Some people will have the extra toe removed if this problem becomes severe (such as the foot bleeding, of course). However, I would say that if there are no problems, don't do anything and enjoy the extra piece of kitty to love! Good luck.

-- Anonymous, December 16, 1999