Introduction
Polydactyl cats are cats that are born with extra toes on one or more paws. This physical anomaly is caused by a genetic mutation and results in cats having more than the usual number of toes on their paws. Polydactyl means “many toes” in Greek. Sometimes these cats are nicknamed “Hemingway cats” because the famous author Ernest Hemingway was known for having a polydactyl cat.
Two-tailed cats are an even rarer occurrence. Normally cats have one tail, but very occasionally a kitten will be born with two tails. There are a few different genetic causes for this, which will be covered later. Two-tailed cats are sometimes called “polycaudal” which means “many tails” in Latin.
While not common, polydactyl and two-tailed cats have attracted interest amongst cat enthusiasts and breeders. Their unique features make them novelties in the cat world. However, some controversy exists regarding purposefully breeding cats to have mutations like extra toes or tails.
Documented Cases of Two-Tailed Cats
While most cats are born with just one tail, there have been rare documented cases of cats being born with two tails throughout history. Polydactyl cats, also known as “polydacts” or “Hemingway cats”, are born with extra digits or tails due to a genetic mutation. Most documented cases of polydactylism in cats result in extra toes, but occasionally kittens are born with partial or full extra tails.
One notable case was a kitten born in South Africa in 2020 that made headlines for having two tails. The kitten was adopted by a local veterinarian clinic and was healthy other than its extra tail. There have also been accounts of two-tailed cats documented across Asia, Europe, and North America over the past century. While unusual, cats born with extra tails can live normal, healthy lives if the tails do not impact movement or basic bodily functions.
Overall, polydactylism is quite rare in cats, occurring in less than 1 in 1000 births. But throughout history, there have been just enough documented two-tailed cats to confirm that while extremely unusual, felines can indeed naturally be born with more than one tail.
Genetic Causes of Two Tails
The primary genetic cause of two tails in cats is a mutation in the T (Brachyury) gene that regulates tail development. This mutation leads to partial twinning of the tail, resulting in a forked or branched tail tip. According to a study published in the Journal of Heredity, the T gene mutation is an autosomal dominant trait, meaning a cat only needs one copy of the mutated gene to express the two-tailed phenotype.
Researchers have also identified another mutation in the WNT3a gene that can cause duplicate tail formation. WNT3a is involved in the embryonic development of tails. A mutated WNT3a allele likely leads to aberrant tail bud formation, generating a duplicate tail.
While rare, these genetic mutations randomly arise in cat populations. Breeds like the Japanese Bobtail are predisposed to T gene mutations and thus have a higher incidence of double or split tails. However, polycaudal mutations can occur in any breed. The key is an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern allowing the trait to be readily expressed when present.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cat_body-type_mutations)
Breeds Prone to Extra Tails
Certain cat breeds are genetically predisposed to developing extra tails due to mutations in genes regulating tail development. Breeds like the Manx, Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, and Kurilian Bobtail frequently exhibit polydactyly of the tail.
The Manx breed originated on the Isle of Man and is well known for lacking a tail entirely or having a shortened stub tail. This is caused by a dominant gene mutation that stunts tail growth during embryonic development. However, sometimes the gene only partially stunts tail growth, resulting in Manx cats with two tails – one full-length and one stub tail.
Japanese Bobtails also have a mutated “bobbed” tail gene causing shortened tails. Like the Manx, sometimes this gene mutation is incomplete and results in two tails – one bobbed and one normal length. The American Bobtail and Kurilian Bobtail also exhibit similar genetics leading to extra tails.
Polydactyl cats like the Pixiebob with extra toes are also predisposed to extra tails. The genes regulating limb development and tail development are closely linked, so mutations often affect both traits.
Surgical Removal of Extra Tails
Veterinarians may surgically remove extra tails on kittens at birth through a procedure called caudectomy or partial caudectomy. This involves anesthetizing the kitten and then using sterile techniques to amputate the extra tail(s) (https://perthcathospital.com.au/tail-injuries-in-cats/). The surgery is done for medical or cosmetic reasons, as extra tails can be prone to injury, infection, and impaired movement. They may also negatively impact the cat’s quality of life.
However, some argue that removing extra limbs for cosmetic reasons alone is controversial and unnecessary. They believe the surgery should only be done for medical reasons confirmed by a veterinarian. There are also risks with any anesthesia and surgery, so owners must weigh the pros and cons. Some choose to keep the extra tails and monitor the cat’s health and mobility closely. With proper care, cats with extra tails can live long healthy lives. Owners should discuss options with their veterinarian and do what’s best for the individual cat.
Care for Two-Tailed Cats
Cats with two tails require some special care and considerations to ensure a good quality of life. The extra tail is prone to injury and infection, so owners need to monitor it closely. Keep the area around the second tail clean by gently wiping with a warm, wet cloth when needed. Check for any signs of irritation, redness, swelling or discharge. Extra tails often lack muscle control and strength, so provide soft, padded bedding to prevent sores and injuries when the cat sits.
Restrict access to high places and add ramps and steps to avoid falls and tail trauma. Two tails can impair balance and agility. Ensure litter boxes have low sides for easy entry/exit. Control overgrooming and chewing of the second tail with an Elizabethan collar if needed. Limit stress to lower risk of obsessive behaviors. Groom gently to avoid pain and overstimulation. Discuss pain management with your vet if the cat seems bothered by the extra tail.
Despite some extra care needed, cats with two tails often adapt and live happily. Monitor health closely, keep them active and enriched, and provide a safe, loving home. With a few adjustments, they can have an excellent quality of life.
Cultural Significance
Polydactyl cats, also known as “cats with extra toes”, have a long history intertwined with human culture, sailing, and folklore. Sailors were known to value polydactyl cats for their superior climbing and hunting abilities aboard ships. According to some sources, polydactyl cats became associated with good luck on ships and among sea captains[1]. This led to polydactyl cats being prized in port cities like Boston and Key West.
In New England folklore, polydactyl cats were considered lucky charms. According to legend, a polydactyl cat “with six toes on each foot” could outrun and outwit the devil. Polydactyl cats were also linked to witchcraft in the late 1800s and early 1900s. People believed that extra toes gave cats special abilities to hunt mice and rats associated with witches[2].
The popularity of polydactyl cats rose in the 1960s after Ernest Hemingway’s polydactyl cat Snow White was featured in Life magazine. Hemingway was fascinated with polydactyl cats and let them freely roam his Key West home. Today, the descendants of Hemingway’s cats live at his former house, which is now a museum.
Famous Polydactyl Cats
Polydactylism has been a trait in some famous felines throughout history. Some of the most well-known polydactyl cats include:
Ernest Hemingway’s cats at his home in Key West, Florida are likely the most famous polydactyl cats in the world. Hemingway was gifted a six-toed cat named Snowball in the 1930s and fell in love with her unique paws. He then went on to adopt and care for dozens of polydactyl cats over the years, many of which were descendants of Snowball. Today, there are nearly 60 polydactyl cats living on the grounds of the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West.
President Theodore Roosevelt’s cat Slippers was a six-toed tabby gifted to his family while he was in office. Slippers became a beloved pet and was said to have free reign of the White House during Roosevelt’s presidency.
Sir Winston Churchill’s cat Blackie was also polydactyl. The British prime minister adored the energetic black cat, who provided companionship and stress relief during WWII.
Many fans of polydactyl cats choose to name their pets after famous figures like Hemingway and Roosevelt to pay homage to history’s legendary extra-toed felines.
Owner Experiences
Many owners of polydactyl cats say their extra toes don’t cause any issues and the cats live normal, healthy lives. As one owner says, “My polydactyl cat Oscar is the sweetest, most playful kitty. His extra toes don’t seem to affect him at all. He can still jump, run and play just like any other cat.” 1
Some owners even find their polydactyl cats to be especially dexterous. As Karen Bates writes on her blog, “My polydactyl cat Mimi uses her extra toes like thumbs! She can pick up toys and hold onto them in a way that normal 5-toed cats can’t.” 2 While the extra digits don’t seem to impair polydactyl cats, many owners say the toes do help their cats grasp and climb.
There are some potential drawbacks though. As one owner cautions, “We adopt special litter boxes for our polydactyl cat Tilly since the extra toes on her front paws make it hard for her to scratch and cover. And we have to trim her nails more often since they get overgrown.” 3 So polydactyl cat owners do need to take extra care with nail trimming and litter boxes.
Overall though, most owners emphasize that polydactyl cats make wonderfully affectionate and playful pets. Their extra toes may require a little extra attention, but they certainly don’t hinder the cats’ delightful personalities.
Conclusion
While there have been rare documented cases of cats born with two tails, they are extremely uncommon. The vast majority of reported two-tailed cats actually have a genetic defect that causes abnormal tail formation or an injury/mutation that gives the appearance of a second tail.
True polycaudalism, the congenital condition of being born with extra tails, is very rare in cats. Most cases of reported two-tailed cats end up being pseudo-polycaudalism, where the extra tail is a malformed or split version of a normal tail. Even among breeds like the Manx that are prone to tail mutations, authentic two tails are hardly ever seen.
So in summary, while not technically impossible, actual healthy cats born with two fully-formed, functional tails are exceptionally uncommon. The few validated cases should be considered exotic anomalies that result from extraordinary genetic circumstances, not a naturally occurring feature found in the wider feline population.