The 10-month-old kitten has 28 toes (and 30 claws), but his owner says he's "a regular kitty" in every other way
Credit: Guinness World Records
NEED TO KNOW
- Toby, a rescue cat from Michigan, tied the Guinness World Record for most toes on a cat with 28 digits
- Toby was adopted by Delaney Henderson, who was searching for a companion for her other rescue cat, Connie
- Henderson hopes Toby’s story inspires others to adopt rescue animals
A rescue kitten in Michigan is making history one toe at a time.
According to Guinness World Records (GWR), Toby, a 10-month-old cat from Lansing, Mich., has tied the record for the most toes on a cat after veterinarians confirmed he has 28 digits. The feat matches the record set in 2002 by Jake the Polydactyl Cat from Canada.
Toby officially earned the title after finding his forever home with Delaney Henderson, who adopted the polydactyl kitten as a companion for her other rescue cat, Connie, in 2025. Connie is also a polydactyl cat, so she has "thumbs" and other extra digits, but not 28 in total. Henderson told GWR that she had been searching for a feline friend for Connie when she came across Toby. Although his adoption listing didn't mention his unusual paws, his foster mom did.
"When I first saw his toes, I really couldn't believe what I was seeing!" Henderson recalled. "Having another polydactyl cat, I was expecting the extra 'thumbs,' but nothing could've prepared me to see Toby's paws."
Credit: Guinness World Records
She said it wasn't just the feline's record-worthy feet that won her over, adding, "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."
According to GWR, Toby was initially shy after arriving at his new home but has since grown into what Henderson describes as an energetic, talkative cat who loves to jump on furniture and never misses an opportunity for a snack.
"He is particularly food-motivated," she shared, explaining that he'll bite through treat packaging and start howling whenever someone opens the pantry door. When he's not racing around the house, Toby is happiest cuddling with his owner.
"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."
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Despite having 28 toes (and 30 claws), Toby doesn't experience any health issues because of the extra digits.
"He is in great health, and beyond a thorough nail trimming, he is a regular kitty with no extra concerns," the owner added.
Toby shares his home with Connie, who is also polydactyl, with two extra toes on each front paw. Henderson described the pair as having a classic sibling relationship, with Connie playing the responsible older sister while Toby keeps everyone on their toes.
"They love to play wild together and chase each other around," she said.
Henderson hopes Toby's story also encourages others to adopt from shelters and rescue organizations.
"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."
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