Adorable rescue cat breaks Guinness World Record with ‘unbelievable’ 28 toes
Rescue kitten Toby, born 10 months ago, is now thriving in a forever home with owner Delaney Henderson who ‘couldn’t believe’ his unique mutation
Toby the cat(Image: Guinness World Records)
A rescue cat has broken a Guinness World Record after being born with 28 toes. Toby – who is around 10 months old – has 10 more toes than the norm for cats who should have 18 (10 front toes and 8 back toes).
“When I first saw his toes, I really couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” said owner Delaney Henderson, who rescued the kitten in Michigan, USA. “Having another polydactyl cat, I was expecting the extra ‘thumbs,’ but nothing could’ve prepared me to see Toby’s paws.”
A polydactyl cat is a cat with extra toes. This harmless genetic mutation gives them giant, cute “mitten” paws.
“When he isn’t being a ball of energy, he is such a big baby,” Henderson said. “He loves cuddles, will purr as soon as you touch him, and falls asleep between my legs anytime I am on the couch.”
Despite having 28 toes and 30 claws, Toby doesn’t experience any health issues because of the extra digits, People reported. Henderson said: “He is in great health, and beyond a thorough nail trimming, he is a regular kitty with no extra concerns.”
Toby lives with fellow cat Connie, who is polydactyl too, sporting two extra toes on each front paw. Henderson said the duo have a typical sibling dynamic: Connie acts as the sensible big sister, while Toby is the mischievous one who keeps the household on its toes.
“They love to play wild together and chase each other around,” she said. Henderson also wants Toby’s tale to inspire more people to adopt through shelters and rescue groups.
“Having these two kitties has truly changed my life for the better,” she told Guinness World Records. “They have become the best emotional support for everyone in our household and always bring joy and love to everyone they meet.”
Toby broke the record after being adopted by Henderson in 2025, when she took in the polydactyl kitten to keep her other rescue cat, Connie, company. She said it wasn’t just the feline’s record-worthy feet that won her over.
The cat lover admitted: “I had a gut feeling when I met him that he was meant to be in my life, and I am so grateful to have given him a forever home.” A cat reaches the 28-toe maximum only by developing seven fully formed digits on each paw.
It’s linked to a ZRS mutation affecting the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene, is autosomal dominant and is rare because all four paws must be involved with proper bones, claws and pads.
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