WICHITA, Kan. — A unique stray cat named Jinx, whose extra toes resemble tiny paws, has captured hearts and secured a loving home just one day after being introduced by the Kansas Humane Society (KHS).
The black feline, born with polydactyly—a genetic anomaly that causes extra digits—was humorously dubbed a future “world dominator” by KHS in a Wednesday Facebook post. “Jinx doesn’t have extra toes. He has extra paws, and he’s planning to use them for daily cat things,” the shelter joked.
Despite his unusual appearance, the condition causes no pain or health issues. “Polydactyl cats are perfectly healthy—they just have bonus toes,” KHS assured potential adopters. By Thursday, Wichita resident Rebel O’Connor had welcomed Jinx into her home. “He fits perfectly with us!” she shared on Instagram.
Hemingway’s Legacy & Record-Holding Cats
Polydactyl cats, often called “Hemingway Cats”, trace their fame to author Ernest Hemingway, who kept them at his Key West, Florida estate—now a museum housing 60 of their descendants. The trait, caused by a genetic mutation, spread as Hemingway’s cats bred with local felines.
While Jinx’s toe count remains a mystery, the record for most digits belongs to two cats: Jake, a ginger tabby from Ontario, Canada, and Paws from Minnesota, each boasting 28 toes. Typical cats have 18 toes (five on front paws, four on back).
How to Help: Support the Kansas Humane Society’s mission at their website.
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