What about polydactyl cats?

moonslice · Jan 14, 2008

I've seen these referred to as Hemingway polydactyls, but it seems that it's a slang term, right? That is, unless you are referring to actual Hemingway cats in Key West.

Is the proper way to refer to them in writing simply polydactyl?

auntybug · Jan 14, 2008

I worked for 2 different Vet Clinics. They just called them Hemmingways. I think it was easier for people to say

That was the same for the vet on Maui as it was for the one in the FL Keys.

I guess polydactyl would be proper but I would describe it too. When we like animals - we take for granted everyone else knows the little things too.

wombat · Jan 14, 2008

I've had cats all my life and never heard polydactyls referred to as anything to do with Hemingway. Never had any with extra toes myself though so I guess it didn't come up as much as it might, but I certainly have known what polydactyl means for as long as I can remember.

moonslice · Jan 14, 2008

Auntybug, seems like you've lived in some interesting places!

Thanks.

HeronW · Jan 14, 2008

Polydactyl just refers to 'many toes'. The descendants of Hemingway's cats still have 'mitten feet'. 1 or 2 extra toes fore and aft are common, some go up to 8-9 toes per foot which may impair walking. Maine Coon's tend toward polydactylism with 40% of the occurances. 'Tis said, polys make great mousers!

http://www.thecatgallery.com/polydactyl_cats.html for pix

Perks · Jan 14, 2008

My sister-in-law's cat has HUGE thumbs. It reminds me of Even Cowgirls Get The Blues.

moonslice · Jan 14, 2008

wombat said:
I've had cats all my life and never heard polydactyls referred to as anything to do with Hemingway. Never had any with extra toes myself though so I guess it didn't come up as much as it might, but I certainly have known what polydactyl means for as long as I can remember.

wombat, If you want to get to know the Hemingway cats, go here
www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/our_cats.htm

wombat · Jan 16, 2008

Thanks for the link. Nice rooster, too!

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 18, 2008

Polydactal? I get this image of a flying dinosaur with a cat head.

awatkins · Jan 18, 2008

Pollydactyl actually means 'parrot toes.'

I slay myself. :ROFL:

Lady Cat · Jan 24, 2008

I call my polydactyl cat Taz :roll:

What about polydactyl cats?

moonslice

auntybug

teh other evil broad

wombat

wombats galore

moonslice

HeronW

Down Under Fan

Perks

delicate #!&@*#! flower

moonslice

wombat

wombats galore

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

awatkins

Not harboring illegal parrot

Lady Cat