Puss footing around

South London Press

Puss footing around

Feb 24 2005
By Clare Casey, Streatham Post

THERE'S nothing unusual in a cat with nine lives - but one with six toes on each paw takes some licking.

This moggy has a grand total of 24 toes because of a rare genetic condition called polydactyly. A standard feline only has 16 toes - four on each paw.

Many pet lovers believe cats blessed with extra toes bring good luck.

Shirley Germain, a veterinary nurse at Streatham Hill Veterinary Surgery, said: "Cats normally have four toes on each paw and a central paw pad, but one with six toes is unusual.

"Years ago I used to have one myself, but I haven't seen many since then."

"Six-toes" Ziggy has been taken in by Streatham cat rescuer Dawn Travers.

His Kennington owner died last week and left him and a white three-legged cat homeless.

Dawn, of Hillside Road, is looking after them both.

She said: "Cats with six toes are very rare indeed and the only kind you ever get is a tabby.

"I have been taking in strays for 35 years and haven't seen one like this for ages. I would love to keep him but there's just not enough space here.

"I won't let him be parted from the other one - Snowy - so whoever decides to adopt them will have to take them both."

The condition does not hinder Ziggy in any way and, says Dawn, makes him all the more lovable.

* This week Dawn took in another two strays - KitKat and Rolo. The former had been attacked by a fox. To adopt a cat call Dawn on 020 8671 6358.

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