No, cats do not have opposable thumbs. Cats have five toes on each paw, but the middle three toes are what are known as “heel pads”, which do not have the dexterity to manipulate objects, unlike primates and other animals who have opposable thumbs.
The paw of a cat also lacks the musculature necessary to fully extend the thumb away from the other four digits. Though cats are able to climb and can perform different activities with their paws, their inability to use opposable thumbs makes certain tasks like opening doors and manipulating objects difficult.
Table of Contents
How rare are cats with thumbs?
Cats with thumbs, also known as polydactyl cats, are actually quite rare. Although estimates vary, some sources estimate that only 6 to 10 percent of all cats have extra toes (known as polydactyly). It’s believed that polydactyly is caused by a genetic mutation, but it can also be passed down from cats with polydactyly in their bloodlines.
Unfortunately, polydactyl cats are more prone to health problems such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and ear infections, which can make care for them more difficult. Still, if you’re looking for an extra special cat, polydactyl cats may be the way to go.
Not only are they a joy to look at, but their sweet personalities and extra toes will bring you much joy and be a unique addition to your family.
What breed of cats have thumbs?
Generally speaking, cats do not have thumbs. All breeds of cats have the same basic anatomy, with some variation in size, coat, and other physical characteristics. Cats do, however, have several extra toes that some people mistakenly refer to as thumbs.
On the front paws, cats normally have five toes, and on the back paws, they can have four or five. These extra digits are not actually thumbs, however. They are called “dewclaws” and are vestigial digits that do not touch the ground when cats walk.
In some breeds, such as the American Polydactyl and Maine Coon cats, the extra toes can even be found on the back paws. These toes contain no bones and cannot actually grasp things, like true thumbs.
Are polydactyl cats good luck?
The belief that polydactyl cats bring good luck is an old superstition that has been passed down since the 1600’s. A popular belief states that sailors would bring these cats on board for extra luck and good fortune.
Some people believe that having a polydactyl cat will bring good luck and even warding off bad luck from their lives. Others don’t believe in superstitions and don’t associate a feline’s extra toes with good luck.
Today, there has been no scientific evidence to suggest that having a polydactyl cat produces good fortune in one’s life. It is ultimately up to the individual to decide if they believe a polydactyl cat will bring them luck or not.
One thing is for certain, if you do decide to care for a polydactyl cat, you will be guaranteed some extra love and affection! These cats most often have a very friendly and outgoing personality and can make an excellent pet.
They are very curious and loving animals and look absolutely charming with their many toes.
What is the rarest Kitty?
The rarest Kitty is CryptoKitty #18 so-called “Founder Cat #18”, it was the first in the series and was created to commemorate the launch of CryptoKitties. The Founder Cat was auctioned off to the highest bidder on December, 4th 2017, and the winning bid was a whopping 246.
9255 ETH, or approximately $117,712. 12 USD at the time. The record-breaking sale completed in less than 20 minutes. Founder Cat #18 is special not just because it is the first CryptoKitty and extremely valuable, but also because it has unique properties.
This CryptoKitty comes with two exclusive genes: Exclusive: Gen 11, and Exclusive: Gen 185. These genes are not available to the general public and can only be attained by breeding with Founder Cat #18.
The rarity of this CryptoKitty makes it an incredibly valuable digital asset and an attractive investment for anyone interested in CryptoCollectibles.
Are cats with thumbs common?
No, cats with thumbs are not common in the wild. In fact, cats with thumbs are quite a rare occurrence and are only known to occur in domesticated cats in some cases. These cats have a genetic mutation that causes their paws to grow an extra digit, sometimes even two.
Typically speaking, cats with thumbs show up in the wild only due to inbreeding. A famous case of a cat with thumbs was “Mr. Piddles,” a Maine Coon that went viral on the internet in 2014. This particular cat had two thumbs on each paw.
Amazingly, the extra digits didn’t stop him from living a normal and healthy life—he even enjoyed cuddling with his humans and still used the litter box without any difficulty. Of course, not all cats with extra digits have been as lucky, with some cats being born with birth defects that prevent them from being able to function properly.
For this reason, it is important to always spay and neuter your pets and monitor their health closely if you notice anything out of the ordinary.
Is polydactyl rare in cats?
Yes, polydactyl cats, or cats with extra toes, are quite rare. Polydactyl cats are the result of a genetic mutation that causes the cat to have more than the typical 18 toes. Although no exact number has been determined, it is estimated that only 4-5% of all cats have more than the standard 18 toes.
Polydactyl cats are most commonly found in cold climates such as those in the United States, England, and Canada. Some people believe polydactyl cats bring good luck and refer to them as “Hemingway cats,” named after Ernest Hemingway who kept them in his home.
Although polydactyl cats are not considered rare enough to be on the endangered species list, it is a relatively uncommon trait among cats.
Does every cat have thumbs?
No, not every cat has thumbs. Most cats may appear to have thumbs because they can grip objects between their toes, but these are not actually thumbs. Cats are members of the feline family, and they all have paws with the typical four toes and one dewclaw.
Thumbs, which are unique to humans, primates, and some species of lemurs, are called “opposable thumbs” because they can rotate and oppose the full length of the fingers for gripping objects. Cats, however, lack this ability and do not have true thumbs.
Are Squirrels thumbs opposable?
Yes, squirrels do have opposable thumbs. This feature is essential since they need it to climb, grasp, and manipulate objects like they would with their fingers. Their thumbs are short and flexible and are, therefore, also referred to as “pseudo-thumbs”.
Other animals with similar thumbs, such as opossums, koalas, and some monkeys, also possess this same finger function. The primary difference between opposable thumbs and humans’ thumbs is that squirrels’ thumbs don’t rotate around their inner side, so they can only open straight outward.
Despite their unique thumbs, they can use them in much the same way humans use their thumbs, like holding, gripping, and opening objects.
Do any animals have 2 fingers?
No, there are no animals that have two fingers – they instead have digits, toes, claws, or paws. Certain mammals such as primates and marsupials possess what could be considered “fingers,” but these digits generally come in a set of five per hand or paw.
Some primates, such as the sloth, have reduced their number of digits down to three per hand, though the digits are still not referred to as fingers. Reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates such as insects and spiders have a variety of different limb structures, none of which can be referred to as fingers.
Do polydactyl cats have problems?
Yes, polydactyl cats can have problems, especially when there is an excessive number of toes. Complications can include underdeveloped or malformed toes, crooked toes, claw and nail problems, and arthritis.
Additionally, the extra toes can make finding shoes to fit the cats difficult. The issue with extra toes is that they can cause the cats to have an awkward gait, which can lead to hip and joint pain.
Other potential problems depend on the placement of the extra toes and how much they interfere with movement. Too many toes can also make it difficult for the cats to groom and clean themselves.
In some cases, the extra toes can be surgically removed, but this requires a high level of skill and should only be done by a professional. Otherwise, owners can use regular nail trims and exercise to keep their polydactyl cats healthy and comfortable.
