Polydactyl cats can be found throughout several parts of the world including; Asia, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Great Britain and the United States. Boston, Massachusetts holds the largest population of polydactyl cats, believed to be descendents of the feline brought to the US by English Puritans. Sailors believed the extra toes of the polydactyl cats made them better at catching mice than the average cat, therefore, many of the mutated cats came to live in different parts of the world by boat. It is for this reason that polydactyl cats are found in higher populations around sea ports.

Polydactyly in cats is a condition in which a feline possess more toes than the average cat. Felines are born with fives toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw, but polydactyl cats have several. The increased number of toes is an inherited, genetic mutation that is not uncommon. In fact, many breeders intentionally breed cats containing this genetic abnormality to meet high demand of what pet owners consider a cute physical characteristic. Breeders often advertise these felines as “mitten kittens,” “cats with thumbs,” or “big-foot cats.” Although related health conditions are minimal, breeding polydactyly in cats simply for the gratification of human ownership is highly discouraged.