Nine lives, 10 extra toes: paw-some Michigan kitty ties record for the most toes on a cat

An adorable 10-month-old kitten named Toby Henderson (USA) has tied a longstanding Guinness World Records title for the most toes on a cat, after equalling Jake the Polydactyl Cat’s (Canada) 2002 total of 28 claw-some digits. 

Toby, who belongs to Delaney Henderson, recently found his forever home in Lansing, Michigan, and was made Officially Amazing on 12 May 2025. He lives alongside his loving parents and sister Connie, another polydactyl cat who has two extra toes on her front paws.

Delaney says she was looking high and low for a feline friend for Connie – and though Toby’s profile made no mention of his extra toes, as soon as his foster mom mentioned his feet she knew it was fate.

“When I first saw his toes, I really couldn't believe what I was seeing!” Delaney said to GWR. “Having another polydactyl cat, I was expecting the extra ‘thumbs,’ but nothing could've prepared me to see Toby's paws.”

And although his 28 toes were such a unique feature, she truly fell in love with his sweet face and talkative nature, remarking that: “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.”

As a kitten, Toby was shy and apprehensive, taking a while to acclimatise to his new surroundings. 

Now that he’s a year older, however, he’s the most energetic and excited kitty that Delaney has ever met! 

Treating their furniture like a springboard, Toby will pounce on top of everything – and he is particularly food-motivated, biting treats through the packaging and howling for a snack as soon as the pantry door opens. 

“When he isn't being a ball of energy, he is such a big baby,” said Delaney. “He loves cuddles, will purr as soon as you touch him, and falls asleep between my legs anytime I am on the couch. He truly is such a special, sweet kitty and we're so lucky to have him in our family.”

Read more stories about record-breaking cats in our dedicated Animals section!

Delaney says she’s frequently asked if Toby’s toes ever impact his health or behaviour, and she’s happy to report that the answer is no. 

“He is in great health, and beyond a thorough nail trimming – he has 30 claws as well! –  he is a regular kitty with no extra concerns,” she explained.

Nevertheless, she likes to believe that his extra digits give him special pouncing abilities, and she’s grateful that he’s as expressive and jumpy as regular cats.

And despite Toby’s love for play, there’s always another cat ready to put him in his place, twenty-toes down: Connie. 

Their mother says that they have the classic sibling dynamic of mature older sister versus crazy younger brother, but deep down, she loves his presence and is always looking out for him.

“They love to play wild together and chase each other around,” said Delaney. “She's also such a special cat, and the perfect ‘first-born’ child!”

Together, Delaney, her partner, and their two kitties make a very loving home – and she urges everybody who wants to adopt a pet to reach out to their local shelter or rescue to find the perfect companion. Both of her paw-some cats come from rescue groups, and she says that the record-breaking experience was life changing for them all.

“Having these two kitties has truly changed my life for the better,” she said. “They have become the best emotional support for everyone in our household and always bring joy and love to everyone they meet.”

So congratulations to Toby and the entire Henderson household – you are all Officially Amazing!