Genetic Characteristic of the Usual Form of the Polydactyl Gene in Cats: Especially Maine Coon Cats

It is the intent of this article to describe, compare and contrast the usual form of the trait for polydactylism in cats especially in Maine Coon Cats. The usual form of polydactyly will be defined as the trait commonly seem in Maine Coon Cat especially those familiar to organizations such as Mcpolys (http://www.mcpolys.com) This discussion will show that the usual gene for polydactylism is harmless even when homozygous. There is no sex link and there is complete penetration of the gene. This article will illustrate by making comparisons to other traits, that there is a high probability that there is more than one gene for polydactyly in cats. To demonstrate this there will be comparisons made to other cat breeds such as the Cornish Rex and Devon Rex. Comparisons will be made to the Manx and Scottish Fold Breeds in order to illustrate that the usual gene for polydactyly is harmless. There will also be an overview of the Danforth Study in which polydactyl cats were actually bred and studied. A brief reference will be made to the German Law, which intends to ban the breeding of polydactyl cats. This ruling maybe based on misrepresentation or incorrect translation of the Danforth study. The split toe trait in cats will be referenced in order to show that this condition is not related to the poly gene. The historical importance of this trait will be documented for polydactyl in the Maine Coon breed of cats. The use of the terms pre-axial and post axial will be defined and their importance will be discussed. It is hope that by understand this trait the reader will see that the usual trait for polydactyly in cats is harmless and needs to have it’s rightful place on the show bench.