A domestic cat from Fox Valley, Wisconsin, has broken the Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat [1].
This achievement highlights the extremes of feline genetic variation and the rarity of polydactyly, a condition that results in extra digits. While many cats possess a few extra toes, the scale of this specific case is unprecedented in official records.
Erebus Anomaly was officially recognized for the record in July 2026 [3]. The cat possesses 29 toes [1], surpassing previous records. A typical cat has 18 toes [2].
The condition is caused by a genetic trait known as polydactyly. This mutation leads to the development of additional digits on one or more paws. In the case of Erebus Anomaly, the number of extra toes was sufficient to set a new global benchmark [1].
Previous records for the most toes on a cat were lower. Another cat named Toby was reported to have 28 toes [2]. While Toby was noted as tying a record earlier this year, the count for Erebus Anomaly has established a new high [1].
The record was announced on July 14, 2026 [3]. The cat resides in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, where the discovery of the extra digits led to the official verification process with Guinness World Records [1].
“Erebus Anomaly has been recognized by Guinness World Records for having 29 toes.”
Polydactyly is a common genetic mutation in domestic cats, often referred to as 'hem Hemingway cats,' but it rarely manifests in such high numbers. The verification of 29 toes marks a significant outlier in feline anatomy, providing a data point for researchers studying genetic mutations and developmental biology in domestic animals.
