why we started this website
MCPolydactyl.com was originally created to provide a single source of information about polydactyl Maine Coons during the campaign to permit them into Championship competition. Despite being an integral part of Maine Coon history, extra-toed Maine Coons had been sidelined in 1976 when the breed was initially accepted in the Pedigreed Cat Fancy. Though they might be registered and equal in all other ways, the polydactyls could not compete to hold titles. Time passed, and a growing number of enthusiastic poly owners and breeders began to lobby to change this and allow polydactyl Maine Coons to compete for Championship in major registries around the world.
This website served as an ‘archive’ of history, research and frequently asked questions that was used when applying for Championship in TICA in 2014 (read our Rationale here). After 10 long years of campaigning and several applications to the Breed Section and Board of Directors, TICA’s Maine Coon Breed Standard was finally revised to a Breed Group that included Maine Coons as well as Maine Coon Polydactyls. Since May of 2015, the first season of acceptance, many polys have succeeded in achieving not just the Champion title in TICA, but all the way up to Supreme Grand Champion. Several have become Regional Winners and we hope some day for a poly to hold the International Win title.
MCPolydactyl.com continues now as an ongoing resource to the Maine Coon Polydactyl community and all those who wish to learn more about these beautiful cats. Read more
