His Cat name is Sid, aka Sid-hartha, Sid-dee, Sid the vicious, and Squidney. These different names represent his changing moods. He's been lodging here at our place while his owner is packing and moving.
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| Sid the Polydactyl in the Study, by DG Hudson |
In the photo above, you can just see the thumb on the right paw. It looks like a mitten and allows him to swat at things with panache, including people. He's got the spunk and attitude of a dog, since he was raised with a large dog named Sasha, a female who tolerated his lunging leaps as a kitten. No one is sure who instigated all their escapades, and they aren't telling. But, a thumb does help get things open.
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| Sid the vicious, at 2 years by DG Hudson |
Sid looks a little wistful here, missing his owner. They will be reunited in about a week. In the meantime, he's come to think of our home as a 'Cat Spa', and we're his attendants. After all, he meows frequently and thinks he's talking to the humans. Those are probably 'command meows'. He's still young and a little cocky.
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| Sid in formal pose, best paw extended, by DG Hudson |
A Note About Polydactyls
Ernest Hemingway loved polydactyl cats, after being given one by a ship's captain. When Hemingway died, his former home in Key West, Florida was turned into a museum and a home for approximately fifty cats. About half of the cats are polydactyl. Sometimes these cats are called Hemingway Cats, because of his well-known love for the breed. Perhaps Ernest thought their big 'mitt paws' looked like boxing gloves.
We visited the Hemingway House a few years ago and saw these cats lounging on the beds. In the lush garden, you can see a unique porcelain watering fountain for the cats; it came from Sloppy Joe's.
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Have you seen a polydactyl cat's paws? Did you know about these cats? OR if you like the photos of Sid, let me know. Please share in the comments and thanks for dropping by.
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References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydactyl_cat Polydactyl Cats
http://www.hemingwayhome.com/ Hemingway House
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