The Maine Coon already grabs your attention without even looking at the cat’s paws and their polydactyly or extra toes. This trait can add extra digits to their feet. Polydactyl felines generally have an aura about them, no doubt, due to their association with author Ernest Hemingway. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum houses an estimated 60 cats, although they are not Maine Coons. However, this breed is particularly known for carrying the polydactyl trait. Let’s learn more about these strange cats with extra digits.
Race Overview
Colors:
All colors and patterns except pointed
Suitable for:
Active families looking for an outgoing cat with dog-like qualities
attitude:
Playful, smart, brave, friendly
The Maine Coon is an all-American cat breed, whose origin is right in the breed’s name. The state of Maine even made them the state cat. Appropriate, because of the cat’s hard and muscular body. They can handle whatever the Maine climate throws at them. It’s not just about the large size of the kitten. Their coat is weatherproof, giving them an edge during harsh winters.
The Maine Coon is almost dog-like in behavior. This is something that attracts race enthusiasts. Legends exist about cats and their origins. The stories seem to match the large size of the cat. Most interestingly, their polydactyly is symbolic of the breed’s acceptance into cat registries and adds another interesting layer to the pet’s story.
Characteristics of the Polydactyl Maine Coon
The Earliest Records of the Polydactyl Maine Coon in History
We know that the Maine Coon is one of the oldest breeds in North America. This probably explains its fascination with enthusiasts. The exact origin of polydactyly is unclear, but it begins in the cat. Some stories link the race to the Vikings. Others say that Marie Antoinette is the origin of the cat. The truth is probably less romantic, involving sailors traveling to the New World with their cats.
The story of the Maine Coon likely follows a similar path as early cat domestication in the Fertile Crescent approximately 12,000 years ago. Cats have proven themselves useful as pest control on ships. Toughness is another desirable trait under these challenging conditions. However, their known history goes back to the 19th century.
How the Polydactyl Maine Coon Gained Popularity
Pest control undoubtedly helped boost the cat’s popularity. Their durability and adaptability to harsh climates are points in their favor. Their size and dog-like behavior also endear them to fans of this breed. This work increased the breed’s intelligence and temperament. Animals assigned to perform pest control have an independent streak, which is helpful for this job.
However, the polydactyl Maine Coon is also a friendly cat. This animal does not hide when things happen at home. They want to know what is going on in most cases. They are very devoted to people, which makes them appreciated by cat lovers. It also helps them get along with other members of the household, whether it’s a child or a dog. They are quite tolerant and light in general.
Formal Identification of the Polydactyl Maine Coon
The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) recognized the Maine Coon in 1976. The International Cat Association (TICA) followed in 1979. The polydactyl Maine Coon received its separate designation from TICA in 2015. However, it should be noted that considering of CFA this trait is worth keeping the animal from the show ring.
Top 4 Unique Facts About the Polydactyl Maine Coon
1. Polydactyly is a Dominant Trait
Only one parent needs to contribute a copy or allele of this trait for it to manifest visually, making it a dominant trait.
2. No Preference for Degree of Polydactyly Exists in the TICA Breed Standard
TICA seems to reward the polydactyly trait no matter how it appears in Maine Coon cats. The importance lies in its presence in cats. On the other hand, the CFA does not view it with merit.
3. The Polydactyl Maine Coon is a Late Bloomer
Like large dogs, Maine Coons are slow to grow, reaching their full size in 3 to 4 years. Keep this fact in mind when getting a kitten. Parents must be at least this age before breeding. A reputable seller will ensure that this is the case. We suggest asking about the adult’s history to make sure you get a healthy pet.
4. The Polydactyl Maine Coon Is Not The Only Animal With Extra Toes
Scientists have identified this trait in several dog breeds, including the Great Pyrenees, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shetland Sheepdog.
Do Polydactyl Maine Coons Make Good Pets?
There’s a lot to be said for a hardy cat that tolerates a lot of things. That describes the polydactyl Maine Coon, extra toes. They are durable and relatively healthy. They are playful and pleasant to most pets and people, including children. They are smart but need enrichment. That’s true of any animal to avoid boredom, however, because a bored pet is a destructive animal.
The polydactyl Maine Coon loves people, so they thrive with pet owners who interact with their cats frequently. These cats need attention. They make good pets if they get the love and mental stimulation they need. You should groom your pet regularly, check their ears and trim their nails to keep them accustomed to this handling.
Polydactyl Maine Coons love attention, but they are not cuddlers. They want to observe and interact on their own terms. However, these cats are sweethearts if you want a pet that will stay involved in the household.
Maine Coon health concerns are minimal, and the effects of being polydactyl are minimal. Cats adapt to their differences without any problems.
Conclusion
People often describe the polydactyl Maine Coon as a gentle giant because of the animal’s relatively large size compared to other cats. Their mitts are large in proportion to their large bodies. Although CFA does not recognize this variation, TICA accepts them in their own designation. Many find this trait endearing and unique. However, this cat couldn’t be friendlier or more playful.
Featured Image Credit: Kutikova Ekaterina, Shutterstock
