A Maine Coon kitten from Wisconsin has set a Guinness World Record for having the most toes on a cat [1, 2].
The record highlights the rarity of extreme polydactyly, a genetic anomaly that results in extra digits, and brings international attention to the kitten's health journey.
Erebus Anomaly, owned by Kendra Vandenbloomer and Hunter Nett, was born with 29 toes [1]. This total surpasses the previous world record of 28 toes [1]. The record was officially recognized by Guinness World Records after a verification process [2].
The kitten is currently five months old [2]. While the extra digits have brought fame, the animal has faced other health challenges. At 12 weeks old, Erebus Anomaly suffered from aspiration pneumonia [3].
Polydactyly is a known condition in cats, often associated with certain breeds or regional populations. In the case of Erebus Anomaly, the genetic anomaly resulted in a number of digits that exceeds any previously documented cat in the Guinness database [1, 2].
The kitten's owners have shared the story as the record was announced this month. The Maine Coon breed is already known for its large size, which complements the striking appearance of the kitten's oversized paws [1, 2].
“Erebus Anomaly was born with 29 toes”
This record underscores the biological diversity possible within domestic cat breeds. While polydactyly is generally benign, the case of Erebus Anomaly represents an extreme genetic outlier that provides a data point for veterinary studies on congenital anomalies.
