Polydactyl kittens???

I was inspecting the kittens, and have discovered I have a polydactyl kitten(extra digits on the paws). The only problem is due to some research on the matter I believe it has the 'bad' form of polydactyl . Here is a quote from the site that lead me to believe this...

This is the "second dominant form of polydactyly" mentioned earlier. With this trait the pollex (thumb) has an extra joint, making it look more like a human finger than the usual rudimentary feline dewclaw.

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And here is the site that I found this one...

Polydactyl Cats

All of it's paws seem to have and extra digit but its left back foot has one digit that sticks out and looks kinda like a thumb. I can't believe I never noticed this before. Has anyone else ever had a cat like this, or one with the 'bad' form? Any advice (other than taking it to the vet, I plan on doing this as soon as I have the money too) or stories to tell?

I am not home at the moment, when I do get home I'll try to take a picture so you can see what I am talking about.

Is there anything wrong with having this form? I do have a coworker with a cat that has extended thumbs on the front paws.

Well, as far as I have read that no there is nothing wrong with extra digits, infact pirates considered them to carry luck, buit there is abad form and I am scared that is what this kitten has. The problem is right now we are extremely broke, and it really makes me sad there is nothing I can do right this minute for it. I don't think it is in pain, but it is bothering me. I do plan on taking it to the vet to make sure but I don't know exactly when that will be. Our light company(dont ever get _____!!!) is screwing us big time. $350 montly bills in a very small 2 bedroom duplex!!! It's breaking us.

I understand... Our water was shut off last night as our apartment complex oversighted that this particular model does not include water. So we have 8 months of back bills to pay plus the turn-on fee. I'm very upset .

Hmm if this type of thumb appears then it possibly carries the gene that can cause crippling. As long as you don't breed these cats then you are probably ok. The crippling seems to form most commonly during emryonic development but I'd watch over the next year for signs of crippling. Most likely your baby is just fine and just carries a gene that should not be passed on to offspring.

I agree. The concern in the "bad" form is for inheritable characteristics. I think you can be fairly safe that your baby is ok.

Originally Posted by Sirha

Well, as far as I have read that no there is nothing wrong with extra digits, infact pirates considered them to carry luck, buit there is abad form and I am scared that is what this kitten has. The problem is right now we are extremely broke, and it really makes me sad there is nothing I can do right this minute for it. I don't think it is in pain, but it is bothering me. I do plan on taking it to the vet to make sure but I don't know exactly when that will be. Our light company(dont ever get _____!!!) is screwing us big time. $350 montly bills in a very small 2 bedroom duplex!!! It's breaking us.

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I would just make sure he is neutered....sounds like he should be ok otherwise. Sorry about all the bills.

Katie

My Daisy-cat is VERY polydactly- has the little mini paw on each front foot. She's never had any issues, but we do have toclip her nails bc they don't all hit the ground.
Actually- our new little guy ( 4 days old and counting!) is the exact same way, same # of toes as Daisy. We must be very sepcial to have them keep finding us

I would just make sure to keep an eye on his nails- start clipping them early to get him used to it, and when you bring him in to the vet, ask the vet if s/he is okay long term. Usually these kitties do just fine from what I understand, though if something must be done it would probably make sense to do it at the time of the speuter.

Thank you guys on all the advice. I noticed though that one of my posts were edited, am I not allowed to mention light companies? Thanks

Originally Posted by Sirha

Thank you guys on all the advice. I noticed though that one of my posts were edited, am I not allowed to mention light companies? Thanks

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Probably yes on the light company. That would be more in the bailiwick of the IMO forum.