UNITED KINGDOM – This cat with “thumbs” could very possibly be one of the oldest in Derbyshire.
21-year-old Boo has been living in Etwall with owner Sophia Hadjiska and her family.
Sophia, also 21, explains she has grown up with Boo, who has polydactyly – a congenital physical abnormality which causes cats to be born with more than the usual number of toes on one or more of its paws.
Cats normally have a total of 18 toes, with five toes on each front paw and four toes on each hind paw. Polydactyl cats may have up to eight digits on their front and/or hind paws.
“She was my Uncle Philip’s cat – he had her for about two years and then we’ve had her ever since. She’s like a part of the family. When people come to the house they do ask about her, but most of my friends know all about her because I post about her all the time online.
“She’s really affectionate – especially if you’re not very well. She used to be really crazy when she was younger, but she’s calmed down a lot now. She was a great hunter – I think the thumb helped her to grab things.
“She’s just like any other cat really – I suppose we have to cut her nails a bit more than other cats because they grow so quickly, but that’s about it.”
What a great cat!
H/T: www.derbytelegraph.co.uk
