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Fact of the Day: The origin of the term 'Hemingway cats'
Some cats come with a quirky genetic twist: extra toes! Known as polydactyl cats, these adorable felines often look like they have thumbs—and they can use them to grip, climb, and swat with serious skill. Sailors once believed they brought good luck at sea, but why are they famously called Hemingway cats?
The term Hemingway cats comes from the famous author Ernest Hemingway, who had a love for polydactyl cats. Hemingway was given a six-toed cat by a ship's captain, and the cat—along with many others—lived at Hemingway's home in Key West, Florida, USA. Over time, these cats became a well-known feature of his estate. Today, there are still descendants of Hemingway’s cats living there, which is why the term 'Hemingway cats' stuck.
