Hi everyone! So I maybe getting another kitten here soon. She is a Seal point, and a polydactyl. Has anyone on here had one with this 5 toes.. or has heard of them? Her father is a polydactyl as well. Do these kitties need any special attention?
please, and thank you for any help...
This is a common "birth defect" in cats and is not known to be associated with any deleterious conditions. However, it is a show disqualification for all breeds (even though there are some Maine Coon breeders who want it accepted in their breed based on it being common - and appealing - early in the breed history). The moggie cat colony of Hemingway's is noted for being polydactyl. I do not know why a reputable Ragdoll breeder would CHOOSE to breed with a polydactyl Ragdoll.
As for your specific question, there should be no special treatment, although some with extra dew claws on the back legs (a common version of the defect) for example are sometimes removed at the time of speuter surgery.
My moms cat Bubbles is a polydactyl. I find that *defect* lovely for some reason! It just makes them more special than they already are...an extra toe for meowmy to play with!