Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Extra toes in Maine Coon cats and how they vary
By Hamelin, Alexia et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2016·Paris East University, National Veterinary School of Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, and Faculty of Medicine, Créteil, France, France·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Clinical characterisation of polydactyly in Maine Coon cats
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of Maine Coon cats with extra toes (polydactyly) was examined to understand how this trait affects their limbs. Researchers looked at 70 cats, including 48 with polydactyly, and found a wide range of differences in how their extra digits and limb structures appeared. Despite these variations, there were no significant differences in the size of their bones compared to non-polydactyl cats, and the extra toes did not seem to harm their health or well-being. Overall, polydactyly in Maine Coons is common and does not negatively impact their quality of life.
People also search for: Maine Coon polydactyly · extra toes in cats · is polydactyly harmful to cats
Abstract
Objectives Polydactyly has been reported in a number of vertebrate species, including the domestic cat. It is a common characteristic in some breeding lines of the Maine Coon. The aim of this study was to assess the limb phenotype of polydactyl cats using physical and radiographic examinations. Methods We used physical examination and radiography to characterise the polydactyly phenotype in a cohort of 70 Maine Coon cats, including 48 polydactyl cats from four different breeding lines from Europe, Canada and the USA. Results The phenotypic expression of polydactyly showed great variability, not only in digit number and conformation, but also in the structure of the carpus and tarsus. Comparison of the size of the radius in polydactyl and non-polydactyl 3-month-old kittens and adult females did not reveal any difference between polydactyl and non-polydactyl cats. Conclusions and relevance We conclude that polydactyly in Maine Coon cats is characterised by broad phenotypic diversity. Polydactyly not only affects digit number and conformation, but also carpus and tarsus conformation, with no apparent deleterious consequence on feline welfare.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x16628920