The question of how many toes a cat has often leads to confusion because the number is not uniform across all four paws. A typical domestic cat has a total of 18 toes, but this count is not evenly distributed between the front and back feet. Standard feline anatomy reveals a functional difference between the forepaws and the hind paws, which accounts for the variation in the number of digits. This structure is finely tuned for their lifestyle of agility and silent movement.
Standard Anatomy of the Hind Paw
A standard cat’s hind (rear) paws are consistently structured with four toes each. For a non-polydactyl cat, the answer to having only four toes on the back feet is generally yes, resulting in eight toes on the two hind limbs combined. The hind paws are built primarily for power and propulsion, serving as the main engine for running, jumping, and achieving high-speed acceleration.
This streamlined four-toe configuration provides efficient traction and stability for forward movement and explosive vertical leaps. Unlike the front paws, the hind paws do not require extra digits for grasping or manipulation. Most cats lack a functional dewclaw on their hind legs, emphasizing the limb’s role as a powerful lever. The claws on the back paws are often thicker and stronger, adapted for pushing off surfaces and aiding in climbing.
Understanding the Forepaw and Dewclaws
The front paws, or forepaws, have a different and more complex structure than the back feet, typically featuring five toes. This fifth digit is known as the dewclaw, which is positioned higher up on the leg and does not make contact with the ground when the cat walks. This difference in structure is the source of the common confusion regarding a cat’s total toe count.
The dewclaw is often compared to a human thumb due to its placement on the inner side of the paw. Though not weight-bearing, this functional digit serves several important purposes for the cat. It is used for securing and stabilizing prey, providing extra grip when climbing trees, and helping maintain stability during sharp turns. This highlights the forepaws’ specialized function for manipulation, grooming, and hunting, contrasting with the hind paws’ focus on locomotion.
When Cats Have Extra Toes
The standard four-toe count on the back feet and five on the front is subject to polydactyly, a genetic variation resulting in extra digits on one or more paws. This trait is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene, meaning only one parent needs to carry the gene for it to be passed on. While polydactyly can affect any paw, it is most commonly observed on the forepaws, where cats may have six or even seven toes.
It is less common for extra digits to appear only on the hind paws, though polydactyly can affect all four feet simultaneously. Cats with this condition are sometimes affectionately called “Hemingway cats,” a reference to the author Ernest Hemingway, who owned many multi-toed cats. For the vast majority of cats, having these extra toes is a harmless variation that does not impact their health or mobility.