06/26/2026
On this Cat Fact Friday, we're so excited to introduce our favorite many-toed gentleman: Ernest! 🐾
Did you know sailors once believed cats with extra toes brought good luck on long voyages? ⛵
The fancy scientific name for cats with extra toes is polydactyl. One famous polydactyl cat was Snow White, who was given to Ernest Hemingway by a sea captain. Today, around 50–60 of Snow White's many-toed descendants still live at the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
Those extra toes don't usually cause any health problems. In fact, they can give cats a little extra grip, helping them climb, balance, and hang onto their favorite toys.
Our Ernest certainly puts those extra toe beans to good use when he's chasing his favorite wand toy!
His perfect day includes food, pets, chin scritches, and—just to be safe—even more pets. Ernest is an incredibly affectionate, gentle giant who greets everyone with enthusiastic headbutts and is happiest when he's close to his favorite person.
When he's not soaking up attention, Ernest enjoys stretching out in warm sunbeams and dreaming about catnip lollipops and tasty treats.
Ernest is also FIV+, but that doesn't slow him down one bit. FIV is a cat-only virus that cannot spread to people or dogs, and it's very unlikely to spread between friendly indoor cats. With routine veterinary care, a healthy diet, and a loving indoor home, cats with FIV often live long, happy, normal lives.
Ernest gets along well with other cats and is ready to fill his forever home with love, purrs, and plenty of extra toe beans. 🐾
Like any good Rhode Islander, Ernest would prefer to stay right here in the Ocean State. That's why there's an anchor on the flag... right? ⚓😉
If you've always dreamed of having your very own lucky Hemingway cat, Ernest is ready to write his next chapter—with you. ❤️
Learn more about Ernest! https://tlcr.support/ToetallyErnest
Application for adoption https://tlcr.support/ApplyToAdopt