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Puppy adopted in Lansing, Michigan, has officially reached the mark of 28 toes, equaling a record held since 2002. Besides the genetic curiosity, the story reinforces the importance of adopting rescued animals.
The polydactyl cat Toby Henderson, only 10 months old, has made history in the Guinness World Records by tying the world record for the most toes on a feline. The animal had 28 toes counted on its paws, matching the mark set by the Canadian cat Jake in 2002.
Moreover, the confirmation was announced after Toby’s adoption by his owner Delaney Henderson in May 2025, in the city of Lansing, Michigan, in the United States. As reported by Guinness World Records, the rare genetic condition was identified during the initial care provided by the family.
Historic Tie in Guinness World Records
First of all, the mark achieved by Toby represents a historic tie. After all, since 2002, the record remained exclusively with the Canadian cat Jake.
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However, after the official confirmation, Toby began to share the world title, quickly becoming known internationally.
Additionally, according to Guinness World Records, the genetic characteristic was not mentioned in the animal’s profile during the rescue and adoption process. Thus, the discovery surprised the family shortly after his arrival at the new home.
Story Highlights
- Toby officially reached 28 toes, equaling the world record set since 2002.
- The adoption took place in May 2025, in the city of Lansing, Michigan.
- The cat lives with Connie, another polydactyl cat adopted by the family.
- The genetic condition does not affect his health or alter his behavior.
- Delaney Henderson uses the record’s impact to encourage the adoption of rescued animals.
Genetic Condition Does Not Affect the Feline’s Health
While drawing attention for the unusual number of toes, Toby is in excellent health.
According to information released by Guinness World Records, the genetic mutation is considered harmless. Therefore, the animal maintains a normal routine and exhibits the expected behavior for a kitten of his age.
Even so, some specific care is necessary. As a consequence of the 28 toes, Toby has 30 claws, which need to be trimmed regularly to maintain proper hygiene of the paws.
Additionally, part of the care routine is monitored by the owners, without any negative impacts on his well-being being recorded.
Kitten maintains active and affectionate behavior
At the same time, Toby’s behavior remains completely consistent with that of a young cat.
As Delaney Henderson reports, the feline uses furniture as trampolines, shows great interest in food, bites snack packages, and tends to meow when he notices the pantry opening.
On the other hand, when playtime decreases, the cat seeks the owners’ lap, begins to purr immediately when receiving affection, and prefers to rest between the owner’s legs while she is on the sofa.
Thus, his personality combines intense energy with affectionate behavior.
Living with Connie strengthens adaptation
Besides Toby, the family also cares for Connie, another polydactyl cat.
Initially, Connie was adopted to serve as a companion for the new member of the household. Since then, the two have lived together daily.
According to Delaney, during playtime, Toby’s extra toes seem to provide “special attack skills“. Despite this, Connie usually sets limits for the younger brother during interactions.
Record also encourages responsible adoption
Finally, the worldwide record’s repercussion has been used by Delaney Henderson to encourage the adoption of animals from shelters and rescue groups.
According to the owner, welcoming Toby and Connie transformed the family’s emotional routine, providing companionship and joy to the residents.
Thus, besides the recognition obtained in the Guinness World Records, the story also highlights the importance of responsible adoption, showing that rescued animals can find a permanent home and offer affectionate companionship to their owners.
