Most cats normally have 18 toes in total: five toes on each front paw and four toes on each back paw. This count usually includes a dewclaw on each front paw but not on the back paws
. However, some cats have a genetic condition called polydactyly, which causes them to have extra toes. Polydactyl cats can have more than the usual number of toes, sometimes up to seven or even nine toes on a single paw. The record for the most toes on a cat is held by cats with seven toes on each paw, totaling 28 toes
. In summary:
- Typical cat: 18 toes (5 front, 4 back per paw)
- Polydactyl cat: can have extra toes, sometimes up to 7-9 per paw
This condition is generally harmless and more common on the front paws
