In the United States, a simple kitten from a shelter has just made a name for itself in the very serious Guinness Book of Records. At just ten months old, this little Michigan feline was recognized by the Guinness World Records for its extraordinary legs: it has 28 toesten more than a classic cat. Enough to make your video viral.
This kitten is called Tony Henderson and lives in Lansing, Michigan with his adoptive family. The organization confirmed that he equaled the world record “Most toes on a cat”, held since September 24, 2002 by Jake, a Canadian cat from Bonfield. Together, Jake and Toby now share this extremely rare title, which fascinates cat lovers and intrigues veterinarians.
28 toes, 30 claws: how Toby conquered the Guinness World Records
According to Guinness World Records, Toby has seven toes on each paw, 28 in total, and 30 claws that must be trimmed carefully. An ordinary cat is born with 18 toes, five in the front and four in the back. This particularity has a scientific name: the polydactylya congenital genetic malformation described as generally harmless.
In the video published by Guinness World Records, its impressive paws are filmed in close-up. The title was officially awarded to him on May 12, 2025, when he was not yet a year old. At home, however, there remains a simple kitten who climbs on the furniture, runs everywhere and demands treats as soon as the pantry door opens.
Jake, Connie and the story of polydactyl cats
Before Toby, the record belonged to Jake the Polydactyl Cat, a cat from Bonfield, Canada, also credited with 28 toes by Guinness World Records in 2002. At Toby, the particularity is shared with the family: his playmate, the cat
Connieis also polydactyl and has four additional toes distributed on its two front legs.
Toby’s owner, Delaney Henderson, says they are inseparable: “They love playing together like crazy and chasing each other“, Denaley added. Polydactyly is thought to affect about 4 to 5 percent of cats, and some famous groups, like the felines at Ernest Hemingway’s Key West home, have become a tourist attraction.
A shelter kitten changes her family’s life
When Delaney Henderson adopts Toby in 2025 from a shelter, she wants a companion for Connie. She knew he had a lot of toes, but the reality blew her away: “Nothing could have prepared me for Toby’s paws. I couldn’t believe my eyes!“, she told Guinness World Records. Quickly, the kitten became a member of the family.
Despite his extra toes, Toby doesn’t require any special care aside from more careful claw trimming. His mistress describes him as a playful, cuddly and greedy animal, who comforts everyone. “Adopting these two cats has truly changed my life for the better. They have become an invaluable emotional support for the whole family and always bring joy and love to everyone they meet“, she concluded, hoping that her story will make you want to adopt from a shelter.