While non-polydactyl cats have the usual number of toes, polydactyl cats offer a natural variation that doesn’t generally lead to health issues.
With proper nail care to manage overgrown nails, polydactyl cats live healthy lives and enjoy a normal life expectancy. A small animal veterinarian can help trim cat’s nails and monitor any concerns related to bone structure or extra digits.
A cat’s hind paws, which normally have four toes, can develop five or more toes due to polydactyly, but this doesn’t significantly alter the cat’s gait or gripping ability. In terms of veterinary medicine, they’re usually treated just like any other feline; they just need a bit more attention to those extra nails.
