Wisconsin Kitten With 29 Toes Breaks World Record 2026

A Wisconsin kitten with 29 toes has broken the Guinness World Record for most toes on a cat, captivating animal lovers worldwide. Erebus Anomaly, a Maine Coon from Kaukauna, overcame a severe bout of pneumonia to achieve this remarkable feat, surpassing the previous record of 28 toes set by a Canadian cat named Jake in 2002.

The Incredible Journey of Erebus

Erebus was born in March with an extraordinary number of toes: eight on one paw and seven on each of the other three, totaling 29. His owners, Kendra Vandenbloomer and Hunter Nett, quickly realized his potential for a world record. However, his early life was fraught with challenges, as he battled pneumonia as a kitten, which his owners described as a "miraculous" recovery.

His story gained national attention when ABC's World News Now featured him on Monday, highlighting his unique genetic condition and his path to breaking a 24-year-old record. The previous record was tied in March by a Michigan kitten named Toby, but Erebus now holds the title outright.

Understanding Polydactyly in Cats

Polydactyly is a genetic trait that causes cats to be born with extra toes. This condition is relatively common in Maine Coons, as noted in a 2016 article in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. Erebus's biological father also had six toes on each paw, totaling 24, which is six more than the typical cat's 18 toes.

Why Are Maine Coons Prone to Polydactyly?

Maine Coons have a higher incidence of polydactyly due to a dominant gene that has been passed down through generations. This trait is not harmful and often gives cats a distinctive "mitten" appearance. For Erebus, his extra toes are a source of fascination and pride.

Record-Breaking Toes: A Comparison

Key Takeaways

• Erebus, a Maine Coon from Wisconsin, holds the Guinness World Record with 29 toes.
• His extra toes are due to polydactyly, a genetic trait common in Maine Coons.
• He overcame a serious illness as a kitten, making his achievement even more inspiring.
• The previous record of 28 toes was held by Jake since 2002 and tied by Toby earlier this year.

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