Sharing Life with Polydactyls

The time was right to take a leap of faith into pet parenting. Should I choose a dog or cat? Would I adopt? Am I responsible enough to be a great parent? I did not take the decision lightly. Once I settled my concerns, I took the plunge and went looking for a soulmate--the furry kind. A cat would soon occupy my residency.

Cats were a bit of a mystery for me, but I liked knowing if I must leave my home for a day, a cat would be okay alone. Once I decided on a cat, I did not want just any cat. I just was not sure what breed(s) of cats I wanted. Every pet owner in my circle assured me I would know when I saw the right cat.

Of course, I wanted to adopt. There are so many pet lives that need saving. Adopting was a good feeling for me. How often do you have the opportunity to save a life!

I walked into my local pet store and went directly to a little fur ball. I only saw paws and toes. Cutest little thing ever. Toes consumed this cats’ body. I was smitten with this kitten and ultimately learned these multiple-toed cats have a name--Polydactyl.

I knew I was going home with this particular and imperfect cat. However, I had to know more about the extra toes.

Polydactyl cats have an interesting history. So, the story goes, Ernest Hemingway, the author, encountered an extra toe cat while living in Key West, Fl. Apparently one wandered onto his property. Like me, he was also smitten with the cat and the unique features. Soon, more cats followed, and breeding brought more polydactyl cats. Hemingway became known for his many polydactyl when they found refuge in his open arms.

Today, the polydactyl roam freely at what is now the Hemingway Museum. The cats are marketed as part of the attraction to visit the museum. Tourist from all over the world visit these cats each year. There is a staff assigned to care for the cat needs and make certain the cats are cared for very well.

During my first days with my kitten, researching this breed, I realized my kitten remained nameless. While searching for names, a friend misspelled Benji in a text to me. The name Banji was created just like that.

Our lives were intertwined, and I soon felt Banji needed a buddy. I ventured out to find another polydactyl. (I did not want Banji to be self-conscious about his toes) Just like before, I was drawn to this small kitten consumed by toes. He literally flopped when he walked because he was all paws and toes. Another successful adoption.

I cannot leave this second kitty nameless. I stumbled upon photos online of these monkeys in South Africa and the resemblance to my cat was remarkable. The monkeys were "Gibbons". The name Gibbon was created just like that.

Today, Banji, Gibbon and I are a happy little family. If we are not together and in proximity, the world seems off. We have love and balance. I think less about me now because I have two precious cats that require my attention.

There is always a lesson to be learned, right? I set out on a journey for perfection and chose imperfection instead. The differences distinguish us all and ultimately make us work harder than the so-called perfect creatures.

My cats have no idea of the imperfection with their toes. If anything, I am sure they see them as benefits and view less toes as abnormal. Sometimes, I catch myself just staring at their toes because it is just an amazing phenomenon to me.

Next time you strive for perfection, remember that it will be the imperfection that sets you apart. Someone is looking for that perfect imperfection of yours right now. Just like my journey with Banji and Gibbon.