Gosport kittens land on their super sized paws!
They may appear to be all fingers and thumbs but Fred and Ned are two delightful four-month-old kittens in the care of Gosport Cats Protection that are looking forward to a new start this New Year.
Known as polydactyl cats, Ned has an extra eight digits, while his brother Fred has 10 more than the usual 18, making a total of 54 digits between them. The two brothers will be going to their new home once they've been neutered.
These two kittens were in poor condition when they arrived but with veterinary attention and a lot of TLC from their fosterer, Fred & Ned are now thriving. They are wonderful, confident kittens and we are delighted that they have found a new home together.
Fred and Ned are special in that as well as extra toes on the front paws, Fred has extra toes on his back paws. Our vet said he'd never seen that in 40 years in practice! Although they look a little unusual, the extra toes do not affect their health in any way and we know they will make the perfect companions for their new owner.
Although not common, polydactyl cats can be found across the UK. It is a genetic condition that, in the majority of cases, causes no harm to the cat whatsoever, according to Cats Protection. Some polydactyl cats have just one extra toe on each paw but some can have two or even three extra on each foot.
Fred & Ned's story and pictures have gone global since appearing on the national Cats Protection website and one national paper's online site during the evening of 09/01/12. They were quickly seen on websites as far afield as Australia and New Zealand and the Media Office at Cats Protection were asked to send photo's of the kittens to a paper in Florida! Fred & Ned have captured hearts worldwide and it's wonderful to know that they now have a home where they'll be much loved and cared for.