Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Do All Cats Have Thumbs? Vet-Reviewed Explanation of Polydactyl Cats

tabby cat paws on backrest of couch

Cats are agile animals that can run, jump, and scratch with ease. All cats have the same general physical features—four legs, two ears, a tail, and a stout body—that help them maintain their agility and sprightliness. However, not all cats are created equal when it comes to thumbs.

Do cats even have thumbs? It’s up for debate as far as most cat enthusiasts are concerned. It’s important to discuss the makeup of a cat’s “fingers” and to learn about polydactyl cats, which have extra “fingers” on their paws, to understand why the topic is debatable. Here’s what you should know.

divider cat paws oct 2024

Cats Are Thought to Have Thumbs, But …

Cats have five “fingers” on each paw, so one must be a thumb, right? The answer is not a simple one. Some people consider the fifth “finger” a thumb, but cats don’t have thumbs the same way we do. All five of their “fingers” work in the same way, so no one finger is opposable like a thumb on a human’s hand would be.

Cats don’t need opposable thumbs to function and thrive, which is why they don’t have them. Therefore, none of the “fingers” are thumbs like ours. Some people refer to the fifth “finger” on a cat’s paw as a thumb, but it is the same as the rest of the “fingers,” so others are against referring to any of them as thumbs.

cat paws and sharps claws
Image By: Naturell, Pixabay

Do Polydactyl Cats Have Thumbs?

Polydactyl cats have extra “fingers” on their paws that often look just like the thumbs we see on our hands. However, those extra “fingers” are not opposable, even though they are typically referred to as thumbs by pet owners and veterinarians alike. Calling these extra limbs thumbs makes it easy to distinguish them from the basic five “fingers” that almost all cats are born with.

Polydactyl cats usually have extra “fingers” or toes on their front paws, but some grow extra ones on their back paws. There is no one specific kind of cat that might end up with extra “fingers” on their paws, but there are some unofficial breeds, such as the “American Polydactyl” and “Maine Coon Polydactyl”, that are known for their extra appendages.

The extra “fingers” are thought to be hereditary and do not pose any serious dangers to worry about unless they grow in awkwardly and inhibit proper walking and movement.

rear feet of a polydactyl cat
Image By: Constance Mannes, Shutterstock

Are There Any Benefits of Extra Cat Toes or “Fingers”

Although the extra limbs on a cat’s paws may look like thumbs, they don’t function in the same way that we would expect a thumb to. The extra digits polydactyl cats possess don’t provide them any benefits that have been scientifically proven.

Anecdotally, sailors in past centuries thought the cats were a good luck charm while on board and claimed they had a better grip on slippery surfaces. However, there’s no definitive study to prove it.

Extra Considerations

While no severe health conditions are connected to having extra fingers or toes, many polydactyl cats have a condition called radial hypoplasia. Cats with this condition are sometimes referred to as “squitten” cats. Radial hypoplasia is when the cat’s radius bone is only partially formed and is shorter than it should be.

This makes it difficult for a cat to walk properly and can lead to their inability to balance. Many cats with this condition tend to hop around in order to avoid having to walk. Specialty veterinarian care can help correct the condition for a better quality of life.

It is also essential to know that some extra “fingers” or toes do not fully develop. This can lead to problems like ingrown nails and injuries. An undeveloped toe can get snagged on items, clothing, and blankets, which causes pain. Inspecting a cat’s “fingers” or toes regularly is crucial to ensure that no damage has been done.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

Cats do not technically have thumbs, but any extra “fingers” on their paws are usually referred to as thumbs because that’s what they look like. Any cat with extra “fingers” or toes on their paws is called a polydactyl cat. You shouldn’t expect your polydactyl cat to pick up a cup or anything, but in most cases, they can climb, scratch, and play with toys just as well as other cats.


Featured Image: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

How Many Legs Does a Cat Have? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

It might seem like a strange question; you’re probably thinking, “Cats clearly have four legs,” and you would be correct!” But this question...

brown british shorthair cat walking outdoors

What Are Polydactyl Cats? Why Are They Called Hemmingway’s Cats?

Polydactyl cats are felines with one or more extra toes. They’re commonly referred to as Hemmingway’s cats because the author, Ernest Hemmingway, owned...

orange polydactyl cat sleeping

Are Polydactyl Cats Inbred? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats have various physical traits that make them unique. For example, some cats are short and squat, while others are long and slender....

polydactyl shy cat orange

100+ Polydactyl Cat Names: Ideas for Pawesome & Adorable Cats

Some would consider you and your feline quite lucky if you adopted a polydactyl cat! Polydactyl cats have more toes per paw than...

Polydactyl Cat Names

More related

rear feet of a polydactyl cat

Who Is the World-Record Polydactyl Cat? Meet Paws!

Polydactyl cats have always fascinated cat lovers worldwide. These unique felines possess a genetic anomaly that results in the formation of more than...

cream norwegian forest cat outdoors

10 Common Cat Genetic Mutations (Vet-Approved)

People often associate the word mutation with something negative. While that may be true sometimes, the term is neutral and can imply positive,...

white cat wave his paws

How Many Toes Does A Cat Have? Feline Paw Anatomy Explained

Cats have amazing paws. They use them for various activities, from sensing vibrations to spreading pheromones. So, how many toes does a cat...

cat paw

What Are Cat Feet Called? 8 Cute Nicknames

If you were to sit and admire your cat’s feet, you are bound to find that they are both adorable and fascinating. The...

Keep reading

Feline Leukemia Day 2025: What It Is & How To Participate

There are many wonderful pet holidays every year, such as Walk Your Pet Day and Cuddly Kitten Day. These holidays can be fun and help us bond with our pets. However, few of these holidays are as important as Feline...

vet checking up a cat

How Do Outdoor Cats Survive Cold Winters? Vet-Verified Facts & Care Tips

Cats are known to be self-sufficient survivors who can look after themselves quite well. But how do the feral and stray cats withstand the cold while spending all their time outdoors during winter? While they have these fantastic fur coats...

siberian cat on snow

Can Cats Eat Lemongrass? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Lemongrass is a common ingredient in several meals. You can use it in marinades, stir-fries, spice rubs, salads, and pastes. However, if you’re using lemongrass in a meal, you should not share it with your feline, as it can be...

Can Cats Eat Lemongrass

Why Do Cats Like the Sun? 6 Reasons & Safety Tips

One of the funniest and quite fascinating habits of cats is their love of sunbathing. It is a great sight to see cats sprawled out in the sun or basking in the warmth of a sunny window. But why do...

cat stretching a rocky beach and a beautiful sunset over the ocean

Can Cats Eat Popsicles? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Most cats do not show a lot of interest in food other than the stuff that we owners put in their bowls. Therefore, we don’t typically have to worry about what human foods may or may not be healthy for...

Can Cats Eat Popsicles

Why Is My Cat Purring After Giving Birth? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats are interesting creatures. They have a lot of quirks that make them unique. One of the most curious behaviors that cats exhibit is purring after giving birth. This can be puzzling for cat owners, so we’re going to explore...

mother cat with kittens

Cats Are Obligate Carnivores: Vet-Approved Info & Feline Diet Facts

Cats are often called “obligate carnivores,” especially in reference to their diet. But what does this mean? In short, obligate carnivores are “true” carnivores that require animal meat in their diet for proper growth, development, maintenance, and reproduction. They’re made...

grey cat eating meat

Why Does My Cat Keep Sneezing? 7 Vet-Verified Causes

Sneezing in cats has several causes. Cats sometimes sneeze to get rid of tickles in their noses, but the reflex can also be a sign of a severe illness. It’s not a huge deal if a cat sneezes once or...

Cat sneezes making funny expression