A normal cat a five digits on his front paws and four on his back paws. There are some cats that have extra toes. They are known as polydactyl. This is the name give to animals and humans that have extra toes. These cats are also known as Hemingway cats after the famous author who was given a six toed cat by a ships captain. The extra toe do not inhibit these cats at all. If anything, they may even be lighter on their feet. They climb, jump and play with their cat toys just like normal toed cats.

There is a legend among sailors that polydactyl cats used to be ship’s cats and the extra toes helped them climb the rigging.