SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — If you’ve ever wanted to adopt a truly unique cat, now’s your chance — just be prepared to count a few extra toes.
The Rancho Coastal Humane Society in Encinitas is home to a rare and adorable group of polydactyl kittens, meaning they were born with extra toes. The shelter is currently caring for several of these many-toed felines, who are now available for adoption.
According to an official with the Humane Society, it all started when a female cat named Pattycakes and her five kittens were transferred from an overcrowded home in Orange County. Staff immediately noticed something unusual — the kittens had massive paws. Upon counting, shelter workers discovered each kitten had six toes on each paw, giving the group a whopping 120 toes across 20 legs.
But that’s not all.
Two other kittens from the same household, named Banana Boat and Sun Bum, arrived with seven toes on each paw. Sun Bum had one of his legs amputated, bringing the duo’s total to seven legs and 49 toes.
In total, the shelter says they’ve got five polydactyl cats with a combined 19 legs and 121 toes — and they’re all looking for homes.
Three of Pattycakes’ kittens — Penellope Von Schweetz, Pocahontas, and Pua — are currently under medical care but are available for adoption. Banana Boat and Sun Bum, 6-month-old bonded brothers, are also ready to meet their forever family. Shelter staff say the pair would do best in a quiet home and hope they can be adopted together.
According to the Humane Society, Polydactyl cats have long been considered good luck, especially among sailors. In the age of tall ships, seafarers believed the extra-toed cats brought fortune and kept mice — and illness — at bay. Turns out, those big paws made them expert mousers.
If you’re interested in adopting one of these special cats or supporting the shelter, Rancho Coastal Humane Society is located at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, and open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Tuesdays when the facility is closed.
More information can be found at https://rchumanesociety.org/.
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