In modern times, people are increasingly getting pets. Maine Coons are one of the most popular cat breeds. They attract attention with their grace and huge size. The animal gained active distribution in the territory of America, which is considered to be their homeland. Society often separates ordinary Maine Coons from polydactyls.
What does the term mean?
Polydactyly is a natural mutation characterized by the appearance of extra fingers. This gene appears infrequently, in 50% of cases, and only if there is a change in one of the parent. The reverse process is called oligodactyly. In addition, polydact pets are considered more intelligent and playful.
Extra fingers in no way interfere with a full life.
Today, breeders consider polydacty to be the breed standard. It is of two types:
- preaxial - extra thumb;
- postaxial - extra little finger.
The first species is more common than the second. Often mutations are exclusively in the forelimbs. It has been proven that more than half of the Maine Coon population has mutations.
Specialists divide the polydacts into “right” and “wrong”. To the "right" include individuals with extra fingers that have no problems. “Wrong” is called Maine Coons, which have physical underdevelopment, which, in turn, leads to the curvature of the forearms and bones. As a rule, these cats are neutered.
Mutation history
Legend has it that when crossing raccoon cats with cats that live in the ports of Boston, the first individuals with mutations appeared.Exactly so, scientists say, the gene penetrated and was fixed for this breed, because it is dominant. Since then, cats are often called the companions of sailors, ship cats.
The sailors gladly took them on a long journey, as they believed that they bring good luck. Thanks to the additional phalanges of the fingers, it was easier for them to catch rodents, to maintain balance on a slippery deck, on ice and other surfaces. In some cases, it is said that Maine Coons could fish in water, a confirmation of this is the natural hunting instinct.
Many great figures were fascinated by multi-fingered creatures. So, Ernest Hemingway received a polydactic Maine Coon as a gift and fell in love with him. At the moment, in the museum in honor of him you can see a large number of Maine Coons with extra fingers. They are also often called "Hemingway" in honor of a talented writer. Theodore Roosevelt was also struck by the beauty of these animals. The first polydactyl cat nicknamed Slippers appeared in the White House with him.
Description
Most often, Maine Coon polydact looks much larger than its usual relatives. The paw of such a cat is wider, differs from the standard form. Their limbs resemble mittens due to protruding fingers to the side. Sometimes you can still hear "snowshoes", which also means paws with changes.
Even in individuals with a mutation, a noticeably wider chest is observed. It is more difficult for a polydactyl kitten to adapt; accordingly, he starts walking a little later than ordinary cats. The joints and ligaments of six-fingered cats are usually stronger, which means individuals are healthier both physically and mentally. The color of the coat is not different from normal.
Kittens are very playful, often playing with themselves. This breed does not like to sit still, if they do not have the opportunity to spend energy, showing their abilities, they can become depressed. Representatives of the breed will never bother you, they really like young children, and they will never offend them. Gthe main feature is fidelity, not without reason they are often compared with dogs. The owners note that their intelligence is similar to human, they are very talkative and know how to love.
Polydactyl status
Polydacts began to be recognized only in 2008. Although they are considered a deviation from the standards, they can still participate in exhibitions, but they cannot take places. Nowadays, separate standards are being developed for individuals with a mutation, and it is not surprising if in the near future they can compete for the champion title. There are various organizations that recognize and support cats with mutational changes. For example: CFA, TICA, CFF and ACFA.
Most Maine Coons with polydactyles are located in the United States of America. In our country there are few of them. Many consider them attractive animals, bringing good luck to the house. Another part, relatively small, thinks they are ugly. In ancient times in Europe such cats were exterminated, all deviations from the norms were not recognized.
Breeding
Over time, attitudes toward multi-fingered individuals have changed. If until the 80s such a phenomenon did not hit anyone and did not attract public attention, then in the 90s everything changed. The creation of special nurseries for breeding cats with a mutation has begun. Nowadays, polydactyl Maine Coons are very popular, participate in exhibitions and are in no way prohibited in the countries of the world. The idea of separating special individuals into a separate view is advanced.
To obtain a cat with a mutation, one of the parents must be its carrier. Given the fact that the gene is dominant, the chance of having a polydactyl kitten is 50%. Through generation, the mutation is not transmitted in the same way as the shape of the paws. It may differ from the parent, having a different shape and number of fingers.
Other subspecies
Maine Coons appeared in Europe only in the 70s, and since then constant breeding work has been ongoing.Thanks to hard work, new colors and some interesting features appeared. An elongated muzzle, slanting eyes, a long body and thick coat, all these are characteristic features of European Maine Coon.
American representatives have smaller sizes, but no less developed muscles and stamina. They look pretty friendly because of their round, expressive eyes. The presence of thick chic wool with tabby designs gives them a certain charm. Brushes on wide-set ears are absent.
Should I have such a cat?
Polydactyly is a mutation that in no way harms or prevents a cat from living fully. It only affects the appearance, moreover, polydactyl cats are healthier than their relatives.
Of course, this will not affect you or your family members, since this change is not transmitted to the person. So, we understand that polydactyly is not considered a serious deviation, so we can say with full confidence that no problems with cats with polydactyly will arise.
It is worth knowing that cats with a mutation will cost 2 times more. In our time, this is considered unusual, something exotic. Their popularity is only growing every day. But in Russia there are few who are engaged in breeding, so some difficulties may arise.
See how polydacts look further.
