American Polydactyl
Meoww!!
American polydactyl are very much similar to the other cat breeds. They have more relaxed and mellow personality.
In 5 Words
- Adaptive
- Affectionate
- Loving
- Dog Friendly
- Lively
Snapshot
Size: Medium
Weight:
Male: medium: 8-12 lbs.
Female: small: <8 lbs.
Origin: United States of America
Life Span: 14 years
Colour: White, Blue, Black, Red, Cream, Chocolate, Lilac, Silver, Golden, Tortoiseshell, Buttercream, Brown
Characteristics
American Polydactyl cats are enormously popular as ship’s cats. They seem to be commonly found in Kingston-upon-Hull, South West England, Wales, and along the East Coast of North America. There are some speculations that the most common variant of the trait came from Britain or originated as a mutation in New England. However, there seems to be agreement that the breed widely spread when ships originating in Boston, Massachusetts carried them. They are commonly seen in cats of different ports that it is highly relevant that the dates they first appeared where also the time that Boston made its first trade. Introducing a way to the spread of polydactyl cats, sailors have long valued this breed because of its extraordinary skills for climbing and hunting shipboard rodents. They were also considered a good luck charm at sea. Genetic research suggests that there is more than one origin with the American Polydactyl cats. Samples from the USA and UK were observed to have different mutations.
One of the more popular lovers of polydactyl cats is Nobel Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway. A ship’s captain gave him a six-toed feline. His previous home in Key West, Florida became a home for the cats and a museum as well upon his death in 1961. Currently, it was approximated that fifty descendants of his cats are mostly polydactyl. Because Hemingway loved these cats to a great extent, American Polydactyl cats are often referred to as Hemingway Cats.
Although quite common in southern Britain, there have been sources that stated this breed to be rare in Europe since they were killed as witches’ familiars.
How many toes can an American Polydactyl have on one foot? Some can have up to seven! They are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. Their heads are medium sized and broad, with a modified stop. Their chin has a squared appearance, and they have medium sized noses and muzzles. They have pointy wide-set ears. American Polydactyl cats are occasionally used for stud purposes. Those who do so have very well developed cheeks. They have rounded eyes are set at an angle, with any color combination. The same goes with its coat color and fur length when its hairs lie close to its body. Longhaired kinds have silky smooth hair. They have a rectangular shaped body with good muscling over a medium bone frame. They have broad and well rounded chests. Some polydactyl cats have bobtails and they have long tails and shorter bodies.
American Polydactyls have straight and sturdy legs. Bobtailed cats have noticeably longer hind legs than front legs. However, the most notable trait of the American Polydactyl is its feet with extra toes. One of their extra toes somewhat looks like a thumb. Because of these, they are often called the “cats with thumbs”. Another conformation is having its five-toed foot attached with a three-toed foot. The extra toes may be found only on the front feet or on the back feet, or all.
American Polydactyl is much like any other cat when it comes to personality. However, many owners noted that they seem to have a mellower and relaxed personality when compared to other cats they owned. They are hardy and can survive intense weather conditions, even in snowy weather. They can adapt well to an outdoor or indoor life, or even a combination of both. They are patient and affectionate toward children. They make great pets with their outgoing personality.
American Polydactyls are a hardy breed, living up to 14 healthy years. They can be affected with the common feline ailments but no more than usual. There can be cases of polydactyls with heart and kidney problems but these are so rare to be considered a general fact for all cats of the breed. Because they have a genetic diversity, they are often safe from most hereditary health issues.
Caring for American Polydactyls involve understanding its behavior, feeding, nurturing and neutering it, as well as providing vaccinations. As they can adapt well to the environment, they can be an indoor or outdoor cat. You do not have to worry about it getting infected or coming home sick because it can withstand harsh conditions. However, nurturing it is still going to be a big part of your day since it likes to be with its owner and plays well with children as well.
