Maine Coon's Litter Of Kittens Show Off Their Toe Beans In Adorable Video
Maine coons are natural attention hogs, with their bulky bodies and long, luxurious fur. They're even more noticeable when they resemble Queen Eloise's brood. Three of her five kittens are polydactyl beauties with extra toes. The excess toe beans are on display in a TikTok featuring the whole furry crew. Mama lies on her side, staring at the camera with bright yellow eyes while her tiny, grey-black kittens tussle and play around her. Every few seconds, someone grabs a kitten and proudly shows off its little toe beans.
@tasselears Gummy's grandbabies are growing up... and I might soon be confusing them with her own little ones. Their mom is Gummy's daughter, Eloise. #mainecoon #blackcat #kittensoftiktok #catfamily #mainecoonkitten
Commenters were delighted with the toe train. One smitten fan who didn't want to raise more kittens shared that " those ridiculously adorable grey Maine [coon] poly girls could change my mind." Others didn't need to think about it and just wanted to know how to get their own fluffy Maine coon kitten. The poly kittens have the biggest fan club, although the entire litter is adorable. "I've heard poly cats can be quite the handful. But the cuteness of extra toe beans might be worth it!" the same commenter mused.
Extra toes are surprisingly common in Maine Coons
You can identify a Maine coon by its size (13 to 18 pounds) and its distinctive square muzzle and high cheekbones. To identify a Maine coon polydactyl (MCP), look at its feet for more than the usual 5 toes. The International Cat Association recognizes MCPs as a separate category, a decision made after years of excluding the poly cats, and their extra toe beans, from competitions.
Maine coons are susceptible to a form of polydactyly called pre-axial, in which extra toes form on the inner side of the paw. The toes are usually harmless and fully functional, so some breeders specifically aim for polydactyl Maine coons. For pet owners, the biggest difference with a poly cat is grooming. You have to keep up with nail care because the extra toenails can curve unnaturally if they aren't trimmed. Trimming is a quick process, though.
In the mood for more kitty toe beans? Scroll through these pics of the pinkest toe beans we could find (you'll see another poly paw with bonus beans, too!).