This article was originally published on Kueez
Like humans, both wild animals and household pets inherit specific traits from their parents which are passed through DNA, also known as a genetic code. This code has genes within it that in a sense, program the animal to have certain features. This can manifest through the color of the animal's fur, their eyes, and in some unique cases, even extra body parts. Start scrolling to see some of the most unique genetic anomalies found in household pets.
1. Showing Off Some Ears
This adorable little kitty cat looks like it is ready to join the crew of a pirate ship. With only one eye and a whopping four ears, this cat is made for life on the high seas.
The little ears in front of the regular-sized ones don't appear to pick up much sound. They must be there to make up for the missing eye. Hopefully, this little cat has supersonic hearing, since it is slightly vision impaired.
2. All The Ears
Having a spare set of ears doesn't appear to be as abnormal as we thought. Here is another example of a cat with four ears, except the extra set is found behind the regular-sized ones.
Instead of looking like ears, this extra set looks like a pair of devilish horns. This cat looks like it gets up to no good, when its owners aren't in the room.
3. The Norwegian Lundehund
Over the years, many ancient dog breeds have begun to fade into the past. The Norwegian Lundehund is one of these breeds. However, they have some very special traits which have made them sought after.
Unlike other dog breeds, Lundehunds are always polydactyl, have the ability to shut their ears when exposed to water, and can bend their heads back very far.
4. Perfectly Polydactyl
The word polydactyl might sound a bit misleading at first. It sounds an awful lot like a pterodactyl, which is a type of dinosaur. When it comes to cats, polydactyl has a very different meaning.
Polydactyl means extra fingers or toes, and for this cat, that means six toes on each paw instead of five. Those extra toes aren't noticeable unless the cat decides to lend a helping paw.
5. Opposable Paws
Nature is pretty amazing, especially when it comes through in genetics. This person was walking along when they noticed that this cat had something rather peculiar on its paws.
Instead of the regular hidden thumb, this cat has full-blown thumbs like a human. As you can see, there are five 'fingers' and a thumb dangling off. This little kitty might just be able to turn a door handle with these paws.
6. Heads Or Tails?
All puppies are adorable, but some are way cuter than others. Sometimes it is the giant puppy dog eyes that make them stand out, or their ability to do cool tricks.
For this little guy, what makes him special is the extra tail that is growing out of his head like a unicorn's horn. This is a rare genetic anomaly, and definitely one of the cutest.
7. All The Toes
We've seen polydactyl cats, but their extra toes tend to be pretty hidden. This cat has gargantuan paws, and those extra tows are out on full display.
This cat looks like aliens may have abducted it and begun performing some experiments on it. All of those extra toes must make padding around home a pretty noisy affair.
8. The Majestic Maine Coon
There are some cat breeds that really stand out. Bengals are known for their beautiful spots and spicy temperaments. Maine Coons are known for their size.
Much like this guy, a lot of Maine Coons are polydactyl which makes us think this genetic anomaly might not be much of an anomaly in this breed. Maybe it is simply the norm.
9. Hyperesthesia
Huskies are known for their bright blue eyes, and sometimes even two different colored eyes. Some cats have the same rare genetic eye trait that is found amongst Huskies too.
This cat looks like it is rare because of its eyes and extra toes, but it actually has a condition known as hyperesthesia. Hyperesthesia is an extreme sensitivity to touch. Usually, a cat's back or behind the neck is where this sensitivity is felt.
10. The Double Tail
Unlike dogs, cats don't wag their tails in greeting or when they are happy. Cats only really wag their tails or swish them back and forth when they are feeling threatened or annoyed.
This cat was born with two tails, which means double the swishing when angry. Whenever this cat is annoyed, its owner will be able to tell in double time with these tails.
11. Cats Are Evolving
Not all cats come with extra toes, but the ones that do really stand out. This cat looks like it has full-on opposable thumbs, which makes us think that cats may be further adapting.
This cat looks like it is ready to pick up a pen and start writing with those paws. Cats are the kings and queens of their homes, so it wouldn't be surprising if they adapted to gain even more power over their owners.
12. Double Paws
Paws are similar to human hands, in that they tend to only be five 'toes' on each paw, just like how most humans have five fingers on each palm and five toes on each foot.
This little kitten seems like it was trying to win a competition for who could have the most toes. If you count all of them, there are a whopping 26 toes in all-- a clear winner in our book.
13. The Lady Lynx
Lynx are wildcats that are often found roaming around the forests of the Pacific Northwest. While some of them are somewhat domesticated, they still contain that wild nature.
The owner of this lady lynx knew that she was something special when they got her. For one, her ears curl back in the most adorable way, and she has a few extra toes too.
14. Beware Of The Fangs
At the end of the day, cats are meat-eaters. Tigers and lions, their not-so-distant relatives, love gnawing on big hunks of meat, and that hasn't really changed for the smaller domesticated versions.
Most cats have a mouth of razor-sharp teeth, with canines designed to be able to gnaw on small hunks of meat. This cat possesses an extra set of fangs, which makes it even easier for them to chew on their dinner.
15. Two Are Better Than One
Cats like to show their affection for their owners by slowly squinting their eyes, or bumping their heads against their owner's head. But what happens when that head features more than one face?
This little unique cat was actually born with two faces, which means it is able to show its affection with both of its faces. As far as genetic mutations go, this one is almost one of a kind.
16. The Discount Cat
While many owners like specific breeds of cat, like Bengals and Maine Coons, some potential cat owners prefer to adopt, not shop.
This polydactyl darling was found at a pound and its owner was thrilled that they got 75 percent more cat. Those paws would never be found on a purebred.
17. Introducing Nugget
Not all cats are made the same, and some require a little bit of extra care. This little nugget of a kitten was born with a few quirks that make it very special.
Not only is this cat smaller than average, but it has crossed eyes and a permanent head tilt. These quirks just mean that it needs a bit of extra love and care.
18. Feeling Siamese
The Disney film Lady and the Tramp features two diabolical Siamese cats that can't help but get up to no good. The breed is known for being rather mischievous in real life.
On top of being feisty, Siameses are quite vocal and will often meow loudly at their owners. This little kitten is about to grow up to be just like the cats in the film, but the polydactyl version.
19. A Polydactyl Pup
We have seen a whole lot of cats with polydactyl paws, but dogs can have them too. This little Beagle puppy was born with some extra toe beans on his front paws.
All those extra toes do is create a more solid foundation for this pup to walk around on. They don't harm the puppy's well-being at all.
20. Paws Up
Kittens are some of the cutest creatures on the planet. Mama cats have a tendency to find small spaces to crawl into to have their kittens, and for some warehouse employees, they were greeted with a special surprise.
Upon discovering that the warehouse cat had given birth, they also noticed that one of her kittens possessed an extra tiny paw that looks almost like a thumb. When cats start opening doors and picking things up on their own, humans might need to rethink this whole pet thing.
21. Fancy Footwork
Some cats look like they belong on the pages of a cat fashion magazine. Their faces are perfectly symmetrical, their fur is glossy, and their paws were made for modeling.
This polydactyl cat may have a genetic abnormality, but it is a gorgeous one. Those little paws were made to be photographed.
22. Peekaboo
Over the years, a number of cats have made it onto the big and little screens. Puss in Boots, the orange tabby in Shrek has become one of the most well-known cats in the media.
His giant eyes, bright orange fur, and his swordsmanship always catch the eye of the audience. If that character was going to be brought to life, it would be as this little polydactyl cat.
23. Paws Of Fury
Cat claws are needle-sharp. They can pierce through the skin, and even be used to catch unsuspecting birds that fly by them. This polydactyl cutie is ready to show off its paws of fury.
Those seven needle-sharp claws could do some serious damage, but this pet cat only wants some love and affection from its owner. No paws of fury here.
24. More Claws Please
Kittens are very much like human babies when they are born, minus one very important feature. When a baby is born, it opens its eyes and takes in the world around it.
Kittens don't open their eyes for around 8 to 12 days, which means they are totally dependent on their mothers. This polydactyl kitten looks like its eyes have just opened, and its six-toed paws are ready for action.
25. A Fine Adoption
The world is full of pets that need homes. Animal shelters provide a place for animals big and small to get the help they need and find their forever homes.
This lucky cat was fortunate enough to find an owner that thought her polydactyl paws were a selling feature.
26. All Inked Up
Calico cats are considered to be very good luck in some Eastern European cultures. The reason they are good luck is because they are tri-color.
Brown is a very unique fur color found in the cat world. This polydactyl calico looks like she has been playing around with a pen that's dripped ink all over her speckled paws.
27. An Extra Tooth
It's not every day that a cat is brought into the vet with an extra canine smack dab in the middle of its mouth. This black cat had grown a canine when it was a kitten, and nobody had given it much thought.
As soon as the vet checked the cat's teeth, they knew this cat was special. As far as pet names go, this cat should probably be known as the Unicat.
28. Say Cheese
Pets are funny creatures. They always get into items they shouldn't like trash cans, or move items around when their owners aren't looking.
When this little polydactyl kitty was brought to the vet, he put his paws up like he had been caught doing something wrong. No bad behavior here, just a whole lot of toe beans.
29. The In-Betweener
Not all cats are born the same. Some are born from two domesticated parents, while others are born half-domesticated half-wildcat.
It's not easy to find an in-between breed like this half-lynx cat, but it can be done. Those curled ears are the throwback to its lynx heritage, but the coat is pure tabby.
30. Ginger Alert
It's not every day you find a kitten underneath a deck, but when you do, you know what you need to do. The couple that found this polydactyl ginger, knew that it was a blessing.
This little guy needed a loving home, and someone willing to bottle-feed him until he was old enough for kibble. After some serious TLC from his owner, he is now on the way to being the perfect polydactyl kitty.
31. One Of The French Girls
James Cameron's Titanic is one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, and it has some amazing one-liners in it. Looking at this cat's pose one comes to mind right away.
In the film, Rose says to Jack, "Paint me like one of your French girls" and lies down in the exact pose that this ginger cat is striking. Those extra toes just add to the whole effect.
32. Pawla Abdul
Coming up with the perfect pet name can be pretty tough. There is the traditional route, like naming a pet after the color of its fur, or giving it a strong name that usually belongs to a human.
After careful consideration, this owner knew exactly what to name their polydactyl princess - Pawla Abdul. As far as names go, this one couldn't be more perfect.
33. Caught Red Pawed
Baby animals are undeniably precious. It doesn't matter if it is a kitten, crocodile, or rabbit, they are all equally cute when they are babies.
This kitten is only a few weeks old, but it already knows to stick its paws up when it's caught doing something naughty. Even pets can be caught red-handed, or red pawed as we like to say.
34. A Look Of Surprise
Some pets have the ability to look permanently surprised. Maybe it is because of their markings, such as little fur-colored eyebrows, or maybe it's because they have a funnily marked chin like this cat.
The unique genes here are the extra toes, but it's the black chin that really catches the eye. This cat looks permanently surprised or shocked, depending on what's going on around it.
35. Naming Help
Just like writers experience writer's block, pet owners can sometimes lack creativity when it comes to naming their pets with special traits.
This little polydactyl kitten needs a name, and the internet is ready to help. If we were going to suggest a name, it would be Polly, to pay homage to all of her toes.
36. Dreaming Away
What do kittens dream about? Anyone who has owned a pet knows that their whiskers will quiver, and their paws will move while they sleep.
Pets do dream, but it can be hard to know what that looks like. This polydactyl kitten looks like she's dreaming of frolicking in some grass, and sniffing some catnip.
37. Put Your Best Paw Forward
Polydactyl cats' paws tend to look a little bit stumpy. That's because they have so many extra toes that have to spread out around the base of their legs.
This cat was thrilled when she got adopted from the pound and decided to always put her best polydactyl paws forward.
38. Feeling Paw-rfect
A lot of polydactyl cats don't have feet that are perfectly symettrical. This can occur when the bones don't grow properly, or their paws are too small to accommodate all of the extra toes.
There is no lack of symmetry to be seen here. These paws are perfect, or paw-rfect as we like to say.
39. Heterochromia
Heterochromia or two different colored eyes is a very rare genetic anomaly that occurs across the animal kingdom, and that's for humans as well.
This cat won the genetic anomaly lottery with a blue eye, a green eye, and a whole lot of extra toes. It's possible her kittens might inherit these special traits as well.