Once you have experienced the warm emotional state of a cat, you soon find yourself being able to tune in to them; their deep vibrating purr and their interactive whiskers is on the same level as meditation and much more rewarding.Now I have a few cats with six toes, known as "Polydactyl* cats, which is Latin for many digits. Each one has found their way here for whatever reason they had. These little furry creatures totally encompass my heart, as not only are they incredibly cute, but their amazing dexterity and the ability to catch an object in one paw, never ceases to entertain me!
Now normally cats have 18 toes, with 5 toes on each front paw and 4 toes on each hind paw. However, with Polydactyl cats, there is a congenital physical anomaly, whereby they simply have more toes. It is a genetically inherited trait, as only Polydactyl cats can parent another, as it comes from a dominant gene. Polydactyl cats may even have as many as 7 digits on its front and/or hind paw. Although, commonly the additional little toes are found on the front.
These wonderful 6 toed cats, also known as "Hemingway's cats" are most popular on the East Coast of the USA and in the South West of England.....and cat flap in Hunslet Carr, Leeds 10! Moreover, they were exceptionally common as ship's cats. Sailors had long known the value of these pouncing pussies, as they were extremely valuable due to their hunting skills.
Interestingly enough, Ernest Hemingway was an inveterate cat lover (a man after my own heart) - shame he's dead! Anyhow, dear Hemingway acquired his first six toed Maine Coone in Key West, Florida, where a ship's captain had given it to him. Today there are at least 60 cats living in Ernest Hemingway's museum and home in Key West. Apparently, they are protected by the terms of his will. Way to go Hemingway! The majority of these wonderful pussies with posh famous names have 6 toes.
I have a beautiful 6 toed little cat, called Catherine who looks like she is constantly wearing boxing gloves. However, cute this little madam is, she can be borderline annoying, as she agilely scales the curtains like Spiderman on speed, so that she can attack her brother from a great height. Catherine is a sassy, clever little girl who is very independent and often quite moody. I love her spirit, although I think she maybe a little misunderstood.
Seriously, if you get the chance, adopt one just for her/his quirky looks and a chance to have a thorough back massage every morning from its' 12 little needles
- Remember one thing....in my humble opinion (bearing in mind I share my home with cats and dogs), a Polydatyl cat is an evolutionary step forward towards cat World domination!!! They will be ordering their own KFC before we know it!
