A Maine Coon kitten from Wisconsin has officially earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for possessing an extraordinary number of toes. Erebus Anomaly, a kitten from Kaukauna, was born with 29 toes, the most ever recorded on a cat.
The condition, known as polydactyly, is a genetic abnormality that causes an increased number of digits. According to the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, Maine Coons are particularly prone to this trait. Erebus's own biological father was born with six toes on each paw, exceeding the standard 18 toes.
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The previous Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat was 28, set in 2002 by a Canadian cat named Jake and later matched by Toby from Michigan in March. Erebus Anomaly's owners, Kendra Vandenbloomer and Hunter Nett, who operate the BlueNorthern Maine Coons cattery, noticed his unusual number of toes shortly after his birth. They submitted documentation, including X-rays from an emergency vet visit, to Guinness World Records.
Erebus's journey to the record books was nearly cut short by a health crisis. His owners discovered he was breathing through his mouth, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia. He was treated with medication and placed in an oxygen machine. Vandenbloomer and Nett expressed concern about his survival but were relieved when he made a full recovery.
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Guinness World Records officially confirmed Erebus's record on May 13. A social media page created for Erebus by his owners highlighted the contrast between his near-death experience and his subsequent world record achievement. Vandenbloomer and Nett have confirmed that Erebus will remain with them, describing him as a "gorgeous boy."