All cats are unique in their own way, but some cats are more unique than others. If you don’t believe me, just take one look at cats with genetic mutations and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.
Extra toes, folded ears, hairlessness, and even an extra pair of ears—these are all examples of genetic anomalies in cats.
Yet, many people (and even some cat owners) have no idea these mutations exist.
But don’t worry, we’re going to try and change that today.
What is a Genetic Mutation in Cats?
A genetic mutation, also known as a genetic anomaly or disorder, is any permanent change to someone or something’s DNA sequence—in this case, a cat or kitten.
Mutations can affect a cat’s tail, ears, size, hair, paws, personality, and more.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “over 70 genetic mutations (variants) have been defined in the cat.” But that was back in 2015, and new mutations are still being discovered to this day.
Unfortunately, many of those anomalies are tied to various diseases, structural abnormalities, and other health concerns that could impact the cat’s ability to live a happy, normal, and quality life.
With that said, here are eight of the more common and/or interesting cases of genetic mutations in cats.
1. Polydactyl Cats (Extra Toes)
Most of us know that cats have four paws, but did you know they have 18 toes?
That’s right—they have five toes (four fingers and one thumb) on their two front paws and four toes on each of their two back paws.
But then there are those born with extra toes, and they’re called polydactyl cats. There are two primary types of polydactyl cats: those with the benign form, which is cosmetic only, and those with the impairing form, which is associated with radial hypoplasia. Some polydactyl cats have extra pads of soft tissue that don’t consist of bone and aren’t connected to the rest of the foot, while others have fully-functioning digits complete with claws.
All in all, polydactyl cats can have as many as nine digits on their front or hind paws. It’s commonly found in Maine Coon cats, but is also frequently found in Hemingway cats.
2. Syndactylism (Split Foot)
Where polydactyl cats have extra toes, cats with syndactylism have toes that are fused together.
Syndactyly, also known as hypodactyly, split-foot, or lobster foot, is a central cleft in one or both front paws. It can refer to a cat that has missing digits, fused digits, fused claws, or abnormal foot pads. Most cats with syndactylism are still able to move normally, but their ability to climb could be affected.
“Although very rare, complex Syndactylism … appears to cause minimal to no discomfort so treatment is generally not recommended,” says Jennifer MacVicar, Cats Protection’s Central Veterinary Officer.
MacVicar also says syndactylism could be inherited, meaning there’s a chance they pass it on to their offspring.
3. Vitiligo, Albinism, and Lentigo (Pigment)
Vitiligo, albinism, and lentigo are three genetic mutations that are associated with a lack of pigment in the skin, fur, and/or eyes.
Pigment, of course, is the substance that gives the skin, fur, and eyes its color.
Vitiligo is characterized by a lack of pigment in certain areas, which causes white or pinkish patches to develop on the cat’s skin, hair, and sometimes claws.
It’s most common is Siamese cats and usually isn’t present at birth.
Albinism is characterized by a complete loss of pigment in the fur, skin, and eyes, which results in pinkish skin, white fur, and either blue or pink eyes. It’s common among Siamese and Tonkinese cats.
Lentigo is characterized by an increase in melanin production and often results in dark spots on the nose, lip, and/or eyelid. It’s most common in orange, ginger, calico cats, and tortoiseshell cats.
4. Manx Tailless Gene
One of the most iconic features of a cat is its tail. In fact, it’s what helps them balance while walking, jumping, or climbing, and even helps them communicate.
But not all cats are born with tails—and those that aren’t are often known as Manx cats. The tailless gene is a harmful dominant gene that often results in either death or complications after birth.
Homozygous carriers (MM) usually die before birth, but heterozygous carriers (Mm) are either tailless or have very short, stumpy tails. Those that experience complications from the tailless gene are diagnosed with Manx syndrome, which could result in digestive issues, spina bifida, and more.
While attractive to some cat owners and breeders, cats with the taillessness often don’t live a long and happy life. And while most are born without tails, others are born with bobtails.
5. Folded Ears
We can’t talk about iconic features on a cat without discussing the ears—which are normally long and pointy to help them hear their prey while hunting.
But not all cats are born with pointed ears.
In the case of Scottish Fold cats, some cats have a genetic mutation that causes their ears to fold forward, sort of like a dog. The unique characteristic gives them more of a rounded head.
The mutation might look cute to some people, but it can be dangerous for some cats and can result in cartilage defects, such as swollen feet and a thickened tail. The negative symptoms associated with Scottish Folds are collectively known as osteochondrodysplasia, and it could cause pain and discomfort in the cat.
Nonetheless, Scottish Fold cats are a popular cat breed today and it remains in high demand in certain areas.
6. Hypotrichosis and Alopecia (Hairlessness)
We’ve talked about cats that don’t have a tail and even those that lack pigment in their hair, but let’s not forget about our not-so-furry friends.
Most hairless cat breeds either suffer from hypotrichosis or alopecia—two conditions that are most common in Siamese, Cornish/Devon Rexes, Sphynx, Donskoy, Peterbald, and Hawaiian Hairless cats. For example, Sphynx cats are hairless due to a mutation in the KRT71 gene, which leads to inactive hair follicles.
Likewise, Bambino cats are a result of mixing the recessive hairless gene from the Sphynx cat and the dominant short-legged gene from the Munchkin cat.
Most hairless cats will live a happy and healthy life, so long as they’re not exposed to extreme weather conditions, where a heavy coat would come in handy.
7. Four-Eared Cats
If you thought having extra toes was interesting, wait until you meet our four-eared furry friends.
These types of cats have a recessive mutation that produces four pinnae or ear flaps, yet they don’t develop additional ear canals or organs of hearing as a result.
The four-eared cat was first documented in 1946 when a tabby kitten was born with four ears—as well as small eyes and an underbite. The good news is having an extra set of ear flaps doesn’t appear to result in any complications—though it will take some getting used to if your cat has four ears. The bad news is the extra ears don’t work like real ears, so your cat won’t be born with super fine hearing. But they’re cats and already have good hearing, so they’ll be okay!
8. Rex Coat
When most people think about a cat’s fur, they either picture a shorthair or longhair cat.
But let’s not forget about our furry friends that are born with a “rex coat.” Rex cats typically have soft, plush coats that may vary in length and density depending on the breed, but are usually curly and fluffy regardless. This unique coat texture is the result of a genetic mutation affecting the structure of the hair shaft.
Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, LaPerm, and Selkirk Rex are four cat breeds known for their rex-like coats.
While they might be interesting to look at and unique to pet, rex cats do require a little extra maintenance with their fur—so make sure you do your research if you plan on owning one.
