Most cats walk through life on 18 toes. Erebus Anomaly, however, needed considerably more space on the paw-counting chart.
This remarkable Maine Coon from Wisconsin has 29 toes, earning him the Guinness World Records title for the most toes on a cat. His unusual paws put him one toe ahead of a record that had remained at 28 for more than two decades.
Beyond the impressive number, Erebus offers a fascinating look at polydactyly, an inherited trait that causes cats to develop extra digits. His story also highlights the historical connection between polydactyly and Maine Coon cats.
So, how can a cat end up with 29 toes? Does having so many extra digits affect everyday life? And why are Maine Coons often associated with extra toes?
Here is the story behind one of the most extraordinary sets of feline paws ever officially recorded.
Article Outline Preview
Meet Erebus, the Cat With 29 Toes
How Many Toes Does a Normal Cat Have?
How Are Erebus’s 29 Toes Distributed?
The Record That Stood Since 2002
What Is a Polydactyl Cat?
The Genetics Behind Extra Toes
Why Are Maine Coons Linked With Polydactyly?
Is Polydactyly a Health Problem?
Do Polydactyl Cats Need Special Care?
Do Extra Toes Give Cats Special Abilities?
Why Are They Called Mitten Cats?
Are Polydactyl Cats Rare?
Are Polydactyl Cats a Separate Breed?
Why Erebus’s Record Is So Remarkable
Erebus Is More Than a Number
What Can Erebus Teach Us About Cats?
Frequently Asked Questions
More Than Just 29 Toes
References
Meet Erebus, the Cat With 29 Toes
Counting a cat’s tiny toe beans usually does not take very long. Start with five on each front paw, add four on each hind paw, and you normally reach 18.Counting Erebus’s paws is a very different experience. His total reaches an extraordinary 29 toes, making him the Guinness World Records holder for the highest officially verified number of toes on a cat.
Guinness World Records states that officials measured his paws in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, on May 13, 2026.The achievement attracted widespread attention because Erebus did not simply match an existing record. He surpassed a mark that had remained at 28 toes for more than two decades.
Erebus is a Maine Coon, a breed already known for its large body, long coat, tufted ears, and impressive paws. His unusually high number of digits makes those paws even more remarkable.
How Many Toes Does a Normal Cat Have?
To understand how unusual a cat with 29 toes really is, it helps to start with normal feline anatomy.Most domestic cats have 18 toes. Each front paw normally carries five digits, while each hind paw has four.The fifth digit on each front paw sits slightly higher than the others. This digit is known as the dewclaw.
Because a dewclaw does not contact the ground in the same way as the main toes, its nail may not wear down as quickly. Owners should therefore include it during routine paw checks.Erebus is far beyond the typical total. Instead of 18 toes, he has 29.
The comparison makes the difference immediately clear. Erebus carries 11 more toes than the typical domestic cat.That number is remarkable even among cats born with polydactyly.
How Are Erebus’s 29 Toes Distributed?
The total becomes even more interesting when we examine how Erebus’s toes are spread across his four paws.He has seven toes on three paws and eight toes on one paw.The calculation is straightforward: 7 + 7 + 7 + 8 = 29.One of his paws therefore carries twice as many toes as a typical cat normally has on a hind paw.
Polydactyly does not always produce perfectly symmetrical paws. One paw may contain more digits than another, while the position and shape of the extra toes can also differ.Some additional digits develop on the inner side of the paw and resemble small thumbs. Others appear alongside the regular toes.
The Record That Stood Since 2002
Erebus did not break an ordinary record. The previous Guinness benchmark had remained at 28 toes since 2002.Guinness World Records credits a Canadian polydactyl cat named Jake with reaching 28 toes in 2002.
For more than two decades, no officially verified cat managed to surpass that number.Another cat named Toby Henderson later reached 28 toes. Guinness reported Toby’s achievement in 2026, but his total tied the existing record rather than breaking it.
Then Erebus appeared with 29.The difference between 28 and 29 may seem tiny. In the world of records, however, that one additional digit placed Erebus ahead of every previously verified cat.
What Is a Polydactyl Cat?
A cat born with more than the usual number of toes is known as a polydactyl cat.The term refers to having multiple or additional digits. In cats, the trait can affect one paw, several paws, or all four.The exact number of additional toes can also vary significantly between individual cats.
Some polydactyl cats have only one extra digit. Others develop several additional toes and noticeably broader paws.Erebus represents an extreme example of this variation. His 29 toes place him far beyond the one or two additional digits commonly noticed in many polydactyl cats.The trait can occur in different cat populations. Therefore, seeing extra toes does not automatically identify a particular breed.
The Genetics Behind Extra Toes
Polydactyly is primarily an inherited trait. A kitten can receive the genetic variation responsible for additional toes from one of its parents.Veterinary-reviewed information describes feline polydactyly as an autosomal dominant trait with variable expression.
In simpler terms, only one parent may need to carry the relevant genetic variation for the trait to appear in kittens.However, genetics does not work like a simple toe-counting formula.A parent with six toes on a paw does not necessarily produce kittens with exactly six toes. The number, position, and appearance of the additional digits can vary considerably.One kitten may have only one extra toe. Another may develop several. Even kittens from the same family can have different paw configurations.Reports about Erebus indicate that his father was also polydactyl. Erebus, however, developed an exceptionally high number of toes.
Why Are Maine Coons Linked With Polydactyly?
Erebus being a Maine Coon adds another interesting layer to his story.Polydactyly has historical ties to Maine Coon populations. The International Cat Association recognizes the Maine Coon Polydactyl and notes the historical presence of extra-toed cats within the breed.
An old theory suggests that wider paws may have helped some cats move more easily across snowy ground. This idea led to comparisons with natural snowshoes.It is an attractive explanation, although it should not be presented as established evolutionary fact.What we can say more confidently is that polydactyly has appeared among Maine Coons for generations.Erebus is therefore not the first Maine Coon with extra toes. He is simply an exceptionally dramatic example.
Is Polydactyly a Health Problem?
Having extra toes does not automatically mean that a cat is unhealthy.Most polydactyl cats can walk, run, jump, climb, play, and behave like other cats.In many cases, the additional digits simply create a different paw shape without causing major problems.
Nevertheless, individual anatomy matters. An unusually positioned digit or claw can sometimes create practical issues.Owners should watch for limping, swelling, sensitivity, broken claws, or reluctance to place weight on a paw.If a cat suddenly changes the way it walks or appears uncomfortable, a veterinarian should examine the paw.The important distinction is that ordinary polydactyly itself should not automatically be treated as a disease.
Do Polydactyl Cats Need Special Care?
Most polydactyl cats require the same basic care as other domestic cats.However, extra toes mean extra claws to inspect.Some additional claws may not contact the floor or scratching surfaces normally. Consequently, those nails may not wear down as efficiently as the others.If an overlooked claw becomes too long, it can snag on fabric, become uncomfortable, or potentially curl toward the paw pad.
Owners should therefore become familiar with every toe on their cat’s paws.They should also inspect the spaces between additional digits because litter, dirt, or small pieces of debris can sometimes collect there.
Routine paw checks make it easier to notice a problem before it becomes uncomfortable.With Erebus, nail-trimming day simply involves considerably more counting than usual.
Do Extra Toes Give Cats Special Abilities?
Polydactyl cats have inspired plenty of stories over the years.Their large paws have led people to suggest that they are better climbers, stronger hunters, or more capable mousers.
Some extra-toed cats may develop a slightly different grip because of the shape of their paws.However, having additional digits does not automatically give every polydactyl cat superior balance, climbing ability, or hunting skills.
Cats are already extremely agile animals with the standard 18 toes.Therefore, Erebus’s 29 toes should not be treated as a collection of guaranteed feline superpowers.The world record itself is impressive enough.
Why Are They Called Mitten Cats?
Some polydactyl cats develop extra digits on the inner side of their paws.This configuration can make the paw look unusually wide and create the appearance of a small thumb.
That shape explains popular nicknames such as mitten cats, thumb cats, and cats with thumbs.Polydactyl cats are also frequently called Hemingway cats.The nickname comes from the polydactyl cats associated with writer Ernest Hemingway’s former home in Key West, Florida.
The property became well known for its population of extra-toed cats and helped make polydactyly familiar to cat lovers around the world.Erebus shares the same general genetic characteristic, although his 29-toe total takes it to an extraordinary level.
Are Polydactyl Cats Rare?
Polydactyl cats are unusual, but having an extra toe or two is not exceptionally rare in every feline population.The frequency of the trait varies between regions, populations, and genetic lines.Because polydactyly can pass from parent to kitten, the trait may remain present within a family line for generations.
Some historical cat populations contained more polydactyl individuals than others.What makes Erebus particularly unusual is not simply that he has extra toes.It is the extreme number of additional digits.A cat with 19 or 20 toes is already polydactyl. A cat with 29 toes is a Guinness World Records holder.
Are Polydactyl Cats a Separate Breed?
No. Polydactyly describes a physical trait rather than a universal breed of cat.Different kinds of cats can inherit the genetic variation responsible for additional digits.A domestic shorthair, Maine Coon, or another type of cat can therefore be polydactyl.
However, individual cat associations may recognize polydactyl versions within particular breed standards.TICA, for example, recognizes the Maine Coon Polydactyl within the Maine Coon breed group.Calling Erebus a polydactyl cat describes his unusual paws. Calling him a Maine Coon identifies his breed.The two descriptions are related, but they do not mean the same thing.
Why Erebus’s Record Is So Remarkable
The jump from 28 toes to 29 may appear small on paper.Its importance becomes much clearer when we remember that most domestic cats have only 18.Erebus carries 11 additional digits.Even the previous 28-toe record represented an extraordinary example of feline polydactyly.
More importantly, the 28-toe benchmark survived for more than two decades. Other remarkable polydactyl cats appeared during that time, but none officially pushed the number higher.
Erebus finally did it by one toe.His record also gives cat lovers an accessible way to learn about genetics, anatomy, breed history, and responsible paw care.
Erebus Is More Than a Number
World records naturally reduce extraordinary achievements to numbers. In Erebus’s case, the headline number is 29.Still, Erebus is first and foremost a cat.His unusual paws may have brought international attention, but they represent only one part of the animal himself.
Like other domestic cats, his everyday life revolves around familiar feline activities such as resting, playing, exploring, eating, and interacting with people.This point matters when discussing animals with unusual physical characteristics.Curiosity can be educational and enjoyable, but the animal should never be viewed only as a novelty.Erebus simply happens to be a cat whose genetics earned him a remarkable place in record-book history.
What Can Erebus Teach Us About Cats?
Domestic cats display an impressive amount of natural variation.Their size, coat texture, eye color, tail length, ear shape, and many other characteristics can differ significantly.Even their paws can tell a genetic story.
Polydactyly demonstrates how an inherited variation can create an obvious physical difference without necessarily preventing a cat from living a normal life.Erebus sits at the extreme end of that variation.His 29 toes are exceptional, but the genetic principle behind them also appears in many ordinary family cats around the world.For cat lovers, his story offers an unusual combination of entertainment and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cat has the most toes in the world?
According to Guinness World Records, Erebus currently holds the record for the most toes on a cat with 29 toes. His paws were officially measured in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, on May 13, 2026.
How many toes does Erebus have?
Erebus has 29 toes in total. He has seven toes on three paws and eight toes on the remaining paw.
How many toes does a normal cat have?
Most domestic cats have 18 toes. They normally have five toes on each front paw and four toes on each hind paw.
How many extra toes does Erebus have?
Erebus has 11 more toes than the typical domestic cat. Most cats have 18, while Erebus has 29.
Why does Erebus have so many toes?
Erebus has a hereditary trait known as polydactyly. It causes cats to develop more digits than usual, although the exact number of additional toes can vary between individuals.
What breed is Erebus?
Erebus is a Maine Coon. Polydactyly has historical ties to Maine Coon populations, and TICA recognizes the Maine Coon Polydactyl.
Was the previous world record 28 toes?
Yes. The previous Guinness World Records mark stood at 28 toes. Erebus surpassed that total by one additional toe.
Is polydactyly dangerous for cats?
Polydactyly itself usually does not prevent a cat from living normally. However, owners should inspect every toe and claw because unusually positioned nails may sometimes become overgrown or uncomfortable.
Do polydactyl cats need special nail care?
They may require extra attention because they have more claws to inspect. Some additional nails do not wear down efficiently, so regular checks and appropriate trimming can help prevent overgrowth.
Are all Maine Coons polydactyl?
No. Many Maine Coons have the standard number of toes. Polydactyly has historical ties to the breed, but the trait does not appear in every Maine Coon.
Is a polydactyl cat a separate breed?
No. Polydactyly is a genetic trait rather than a universal cat breed. Cats from different populations and breeds can be born with additional toes.
More Than Just 29 Toes
Erebus Anomaly has turned an unusual inherited trait into a fascinating piece of feline history.
With 29 toes, this Maine Coon officially holds the Guinness World Records title for the highest number of toes verified on a cat.
His total is 11 higher than the standard 18 toes found on most domestic cats. It is also one higher than the previous world record.
Yet the story of the cat with 29 toes involves much more than an unusual number.
It introduces us to polydactyly, demonstrates how inherited traits can vary between generations, and highlights an interesting part of Maine Coon history.
For most polydactyl cats, additional toes simply mean a few more claws for their humans to inspect during routine paw care.
For Erebus, those extra digits achieved something much bigger.
They placed all four of his remarkable paws firmly in the record books.
References
- Guinness World Records.
“Most Toes on a Cat.”
Official record listing for Erebus confirming 29 toes, the location in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and the official measurement date of May 13, 2026.
View source
. - Guinness World Records.
“Nine Lives, 10 Extra Toes: Michigan Kitty Ties Record for the Most Toes on a Cat.”
Background information about Toby Henderson and the previous 28-toe benchmark.
View source
. - PetMD.
“Polydactyl Cats: What To Know About Cats With ‘Thumbs.’”
Veterinary-reviewed information about normal feline toe counts, polydactyly, genetics, nail care, and mobility.
View source
. - The International Cat Association (TICA).
“Maine Coon Polydactyl.”
Information about the history and recognition of polydactyly within Maine Coon populations.
View source
. - ABC News.
“Cat With 29 Toes Sets Guinness World Record.”
Coverage of Erebus and the distribution of his 29 toes.
View source
. - The Guardian.
“Wisconsin Kitten With 29 Toes Breaks World Record for Most Toes on a Cat.”
Additional reporting about Erebus and his polydactyl background.
View source
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Medical note: This article provides general educational information about feline polydactyly. Paw pain, swelling, limping, abnormal claws, or changes in mobility should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
