Shorthair cat Medium size 4-6 kg

American Polydactyl

A hardy, easygoing cat notable for extra toes - adaptable and affectionate rather than a strict breed type.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
4-6 kg, 23-28 cm tall
Moderate
Exercise needs
Moderate; playful and steady
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Fairly independent; handles normal days
Moderate
Training
Friendly and adaptable
Low
Coat care
Short coat, low upkeep
Good
Fit with kids
Good with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with cats and dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The American Polydactyl typically weighs 4-6 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 13-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a sturdy, unfussy family cat with a conversation-starting quirk,
you like the idea of a cat type shaped by luck and health rather than show standards,
you have kids or other pets - these cats are typically tolerant and social,
you prefer low grooming and a robust, mixed genetic background.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a predictable pedigreed look or temperament - this is a trait, not a standardized breed,
you will not keep up with nail trims; extra toes mean extra claws, some in odd positions,
you expect papers and show eligibility from major registries,
you want a highly interactive, demanding companion cat - most are pleasantly ordinary.

A typical day with a American Polydactyl

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Breakfast, then window-watching on wide mitten paws
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Bats toys around - the big paws are surprisingly deft
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Long nap in a sunny spot
  4. 17:00 · Afternoon
    Play session; some learn to grab and hold toys
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Sociable couch company with the family
  6. 22:00 · Night
    Settles somewhere soft, often near people

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness Moderate
Vocality Moderate
Independence Moderate
Tolerance of handling High
Hunting drive Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Skipping nail trims - claws on extra toes can grow into the pad unnoticed · Buying from someone selling "rare" polydactyls at pedigree prices · Free-feeding a food-motivated cat until it is overweight

Family and environment

Kids Good
Typically patient and playful; supervise toddlers as with any cat.
Other cats Good
Usually easygoing with feline housemates.
Dogs Good
Adapts well to cat-friendly dogs after proper introductions.
Apartment Ideal
Adaptable indoor cat; add climbing and play outlets.
Seniors Good fit
Low-maintenance and companionable; nail trims are the main chore.
First cat Great fit
Hardy and forgiving - a sensible beginner's cat.
Busy household Good fit
Handles activity and normal workdays without drama.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Portion control and regular exercise
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic heart disease; screening advised
Kidney Disease Common in aging cats; monitor bloodwork
Dental Disease Plaque buildup; routine cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The same sturdy, easygoing all-rounder profile
American Shorthair
A robust, even-tempered all-rounder - one of the easiest cats to live with, though it tends to gain weight.
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A breed where polydactyly is actually accepted
Pixiebob
A dog-like, easygoing cat that bonds closely with the family - sturdy and adaptable with modest grooming.
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Historically linked to polydactyly, bigger package
Maine Coon
A huge, sociable, dog-like cat - gentle with kids and other pets, with a coat and a heart that both need attention.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an American Polydactyl cost?
Usually very little - polydactyly appears regularly in ordinary domestic cats, so shelters and rescues often have them for standard adoption fees of $50-$200. Anyone charging pedigree-level prices for the trait alone deserves skepticism. Over a 13-16 year life, expect $10,000-$18,000 or more in food, litter and routine vet care.
Do the extra toes cause health problems?
Ordinary polydactyly is generally harmless - the extra toes are functional or simply decorative. The practical issue is claws: some grow at odd angles or get less wear, so they need regular trimming to avoid ingrown claws. Distinguish this from radial hypoplasia, a separate serious limb deformity sometimes confused with simple polydactyly.
Is the American Polydactyl a real breed?
Honestly, no - not in the way major registries define one. It is a physical trait that can appear in almost any cat, and "American Polydactyl" describes domestic cats selected for it rather than a standardized pedigree. That mixed background is arguably a health advantage, but do not expect papers or a guaranteed temperament.
Why are they called Hemingway cats?
Ernest Hemingway kept polydactyl cats at his Key West home after being given one by a ship's captain, and their descendants - dozens of them, many polydactyl - still live at the Hemingway Home museum. The nickname stuck for polydactyl cats generally, especially in the US where the trait is most common along the East Coast.