Polydactyl Maine Coons (Maine Coon Poly)

12/24/2025 | Coontastic Paws |

Everything You Need to Know About Maine Coons With Extra Toes

By Coontastic Paws – Ethical Maine Coon & Maine Coon Poly Breeder

Maine Coons are one of the most popular and recognizable cat breeds in the United States—and Polydactyl Maine Coons, often called Maine Coon Polys or Poly Coons, take that charm to the next level. With their oversized paws, extra “toe beans,” and signature mitten-like feet, polydactyl Maine Coons are both visually striking and deeply rooted in the breed’s history.

At Coontastic Paws, polydactyl Maine Coons are not a novelty—they are a naturally occurring and historically significant variation of the Maine Coon breed that we proudly preserve and educate families about.

What Is a Polydactyl Maine Coon?

A polydactyl Maine Coon is a Maine Coon cat born with extra toes on one or more paws. While standard Maine Coons have:

  • 5 toes on each front paw
  • 4 toes on each back paw

Polydactyl Maine Coons may have 6, 7, or occasionally even 8 toes per paw. The extra digits most commonly appear on the front paws, but many polydactyl Maine Coons have extra toes on all four paws.

This unique feature gives them their well-known “mitten paw” or “thumbed” appearance, which many people instantly fall in love with.

The Genetics of Polydactylism in Maine Coons

Polydactylism in Maine Coons is:

  • Autosomal dominant
  • Naturally occurring
  • Harmless and non-detrimental to health

This means:

  • A polydactyl parent can pass the gene to their kittens
  • Each kitten has approximately a 50% chance of inheriting the trait
  • Not every kitten in a litter will necessarily be polydactyl

Polydactylism shows variable expression, so:

  • Some kittens may have extra toes on one paw
  • Others on both front paws (“two-wheel drive”)
  • Some on all four paws (“four-wheel drive”)

Importantly, polydactylism is not caused by inbreeding, nor is it associated with genetic defects in well-bred Maine Coons. It is considered a normal phenotypic variation within the breed.

Maine Coon vs Maine Coon Poly: What’s the Difference?

Genetically and temperament-wise, there is no difference between a Maine Coon and a Maine Coon Poly. The distinction simply refers to paw structure.

  • Maine Coon = standard paw structure
  • Maine Coon Poly (Polydactyl) = extra digits

Organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) recognize this distinction and classify them separately as:

  • MC (Maine Coon)
  • MCP (Maine Coon Polydactyl)

Aside from extra toes and nails, polydactyl Maine Coons are identical in health, size, coat, temperament, and personality to their non-polydactyl counterparts.

Mitten Paws & Paw Types

Most polydactyl Maine Coons have preaxial polydactylism, meaning the extra digit appears on the inside (thumb side) of the paw. This creates the beloved mitten or “thumb” look.

At Coontastic Paws, we have produced stunning examples of:

  • Four-wheel-drive polys
  • Classic mitten-paw polys
  • Balanced, functional paw structures with excellent bone and stance

Well-bred polydactyl Maine Coons should always have functional, structurally sound paws.

Polydactyl Maine Coons in Championship Showing

Despite outdated myths, polydactyl Maine Coons are accepted in championship showing.

At Coontastic Paws, we have personally shown Maine Coon Polys in TICA and remain passionate supporters of preserving this historic trait responsibly.

A Brief History of Polydactyl Maine Coons

Polydactyl Maine Coons are not new—in fact, they may be older than the breed standard itself.

  • At one time, it’s estimated that up to 40% of Maine Coons were polydactyl
  • Sailors favored polydactyl cats for ships, believing they were:
    • Lucky
    • Better climbers
    • More stable on moving decks
    • Excellent hunters

Because of this, polydactyl cats spread widely through port cities and coastal regions, including Maine—helping shape the early Maine Coon population.

Caring for a Polydactyl Maine Coon

One of the most common questions we receive is:

“Do polydactyl Maine Coons require extra care?”

The answer is very minimal.

What to Watch For

  • Extra nails = more nails to trim regularly
  • Ensure claws don’t overgrow or curl inward
  • Routine veterinary exams to monitor paw health

Well-bred polydactyl Maine Coons do not experience increased health risks related to their extra toes. Nail maintenance is the primary difference compared to non-polydactyl cats.

Why We Love Polydactyl Maine Coons at Coontastic Paws

At Coontastic Paws, we proudly have polydactyl Maine Coon queens and occasionally produce polydactyl Maine Coon kittens. We love them not just for their paws—but for their:

  • Gentle, affectionate personalities
  • Strong structure and size
  • Rich breed history
  • Playful, confident nature

Polydactyl Maine Coons are not a separate breed—they are authentic Maine Coons, just with a little extra magic built in.

Interested in a Polydactyl Maine Coon Kitten?

Availability of Maine Coon Poly kittens varies, and they are often reserved quickly. You can view our current and upcoming litters in our Coontastic Paws Kitten Gallery.

If you’re lucky enough to meet a polydactyl Maine Coon, take a moment to admire those incredible paws—they tell a story of history, genetics, and one very special breed.

Coontastic Paws – preserving Maine Coons and Maine Coon Polys bred for life, structure, and temperament. 🐾💙

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