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RATIONALE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP STATUS
FOR THE MAINE COON POLYDACTYL

Much has been said recently about the goal of our group, PolyStandard, to advance the polydactyl trait in Maine Coons from the New Traits Division to Championship Status. We would like to offer some factual statements and references for all to consider. The matter will come before the TICA Maine Coon Breed section as vote of individuals and their personal preferences as well as the TICA Board of Directors for a ratification of this ballot. We, as the submitters of the application, are appreciative of the views of all involved and fully respect the votes of all regardless of position. However, we do feel that much has been said that is based on the lack of understanding of the Trait, as well as perpetuation of tales passed on through the generations. We only ask that votes and formal considerations of the issue be based on facts, as much more is known nowadays about polydactylism in the Maine Coon Breed. Much of this is scientific and genetic based, and more specific information comes from the continuing experiences of Maine Coon Breeders that are working with the Maine Coon polydactyl. This information, from a rapidly expanding pool of Maine Coon Breeders that work with the poly on a daily basis, has been compiled into a Worldwide database that is available to all: The Scientific and Genetic Community, Breeders and Fanciers all over the World, Cat Associations and the General Public. This is, as far as we know, the most comprehensive collection of observations and facts about a trait in a pedigreed breed that has ever been documented. We hope that all will take advantage of the information contained in this rationale to make an informed decision about allowing the Maine Coon polydactyl into the Championship rings around the World and restoring equal rights and status to a large portion of the pedigreed Maine Coon Breed. 

In the scientific literature, the term polydactyly (poly meaning many and dactyl referring to digits) is often used to refer to extra digits.

There are 2 forms of polydactyly; pre-axial and post-axial. Axial refers to the folding of the embryonic limb. The “thumb” side is before the axis (pre-axial) and the “little finger” side is post-axial. In humans it is usually post axial i.e. an extra little finger, whereas in cats it is normally pre-axial with the extra toe on the thumb side of the foot.

In the scientific literature, the term polydactyly (poly meaning many and dactyl referring to digits) is often used to refer to extra digits.

There are 2 forms of polydactyly; pre-axial and post-axial. Axial refers to the folding of the embryonic limb. The “thumb” side is before the axis (pre-axial) and the “little finger” side is post-axial. In humans it is usually post axial i.e. an extra little finger, whereas in cats it is normally pre-axial with the extra toe on the thumb side of the foot.

The form of polydactyly most often seen in cats is the result of a simple autosomal dominant trait. It does not appear to affect the cat adversely and is not known to be associated with other anomalies. 
See Reference Footnote: (Polydactyly and Related Traits - Dr. Solveig Pflueger, Fall 1998)
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/1-Pflueger_Traits.pdf

When the breed was first accepted in cat associations the decision to exclude the Maine Coon poly was not due to health issues. It was aesthetics. The image of polydactyly was seen as a close reference to the domestic or barn cat. It was intended to introduce the trait at a later date, once the Maine Coon Breed was established. This visible trait was only bred out to fit show standards.  During its inception, the MCBFA included the Polydactyl Standard. It states: Our MCBFA Polydactyl Standard has been voted in by our membership, and the wording is as follows: “The Maine Coon Polydactyl Cat should conform to the Standard of the Maine Coon Cat, with the exception that multiple toes are allowed on either fore or hind paws or both.” See Reference Footnote: (Scratch Sheet spring 1970)
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/2-Scratch_Sheet.pdf

In a letter dated September 29th 1973 the then Vice-President of the MCBFA Mr. Ljostad says: “We knew that many Maine Coon cats were polydactyl and did not want this trait to get entirely lost from the breed. Then we heard that some of the breeders who had these cats were no longer able to breed them. So my wife and I decided we had better get one and keep this trait going in the breed.” 
See Reference Footnote: (Letter dated September 29th 1973 of the then Vice-President of the MCBFA Mr. Ljostad.)  CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/3-Ljostad_Letter.pdf

A cat FAQ on the MCBFA website refers to why the Maine Coon polydactyl was culled from the breed as it was a disqualification in competition. See URL (Breed FAQ’s)
CLICK -> http://www.fanciers.com/breed-faqs/maine-coon-faq.html

Over the course of time a few Maine Coon breeders kept the trait alive in their breeding programs. During 2001 to 2004 these breeders started to organize, and realized there were breeders Worldwide that had been doing the same. In 2005 there was a concentrated effort to start reintroducing the trait again to the show ring. The Maine Coon polydactyls were entered into the New Traits division to start the education of the trait and to start gaining exposure.

As the Maine Coon polydactyl was seen as a pet the breed standard type faltered. The breeders started a concentrated effort to tighten up the standard on the Maine Coon polys. This will indeed take time but from 2005 to present day the type has greatly improved.  

Also there was an additional awareness. In 2006 a database litter tracking system was developed. PolyTrak. See URL (Poly Data Listings) CLICK -> http://www.polytrak.net  Data is being collected from litters Worldwide that have Maine Coon polydactyls as parents. Each litter documents sire, dam, kittens, sex, colour, date of birth, digit description, still born, cat association registry, country location and breeder comments. Data tracking also includes a search/sort of gender, poly – non poly, digits left or right front, left or right rear, number of paws that are polydactyl or name.

Information concerning breeding with the Maine Coon polydactyl should be accessed from experienced Maine Coon breeders that have had the polydactyls in their programs for a number of years. They have documented matings that include poly x non poly, poly x poly and homozygous poly x non-poly. Documentation from the breeders show there is no effects with a poly x poly mating. It is suggested to do a poly x non-poly mating to track the genetics of the parents to know which one the polydactyl gene came from. To get a poly you need a poly. On average with the listings with PolyTrak to date, we are showing that 55.7% of kittens born are polydactyl. Individual litters produce individual results and this percentage is averaged over many litters. Breeders have reported no poly kittens in litters, one, two, three….etc. It is a roll of the dice and can be compared to the male/female percentage, you have a 50 50 chance with each kitten. When you have a poly x poly mating it is estimated you will have 75% poly kittens in a litter. If one parent is a homozygous poly then the litter will be 100% polydactyl.

Dr. Leslie Lyons, University of California, Davis has worked with Maine Coon breeders for years, collecting DNA samples to identify the polydactyl gene. Her determination coupled with other studies states the following: the Pd gene is absolutely harmless even when homozygous and has nothing in common with Rh gene. See Reference Footnote: (Dr. Lyons in Moscow)  CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/4-DrLyons_Moscow.pdf

As well these Maine Coon polydactyl DNA samples have been used in an in depth study by: 
Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985 (6)
doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370
Advance Access published on December 21, 2007
Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and Robert E. Hill_
MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK

The determination is as follows: Discussion: (page 6)
Analysis of polydactylous cats identified three new mutations associated with preaxial polydactyly. As found for human and mouse (8), the cat mutations reside within the ZRS suggesting that the nature of pre-axial polydactyly in cats is equivalent to other mammals. Since these mutations produce a limb-specific phenotype in human with no other discernible physiological defects, we submit that this type of polydactyly has no further detrimental affect on the cat’s health.
See Reference Footnote: Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf
.

The advancement to Championship Status for the Maine Coon polydactyl would require a change to the breed standard. Polydactyl allowed, maximum 7 digits per paw.

Because the polydactyl gene can be expressed in different ways, a digit description has been devised for clarity on thumbs, toes and dewclaws. See Reference Footnote: (Guide to Digit Identification and Paw Photo Examples) CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/6-Digit_Guide.pdf

We at PolyStandard (a group of 75 plus members representing well over a hundred current Breeders and Show people around the World from all the major Cat Associations) have listened carefully to your claims, and, to the best of our ability, we have taken the time to look further into your statements. With the best interest of the Maine Coon, both polydactyl and standard-footed, we offer the following information and offer you sources of factual information.

Much has been said over the years about the fact that polydactylism is a breeding defect that will produce extreme expressions and severe maladies to a Maine Coon. Nothing could be further from the truth as born out by Scientific Studies and general observations for decades.

I.   In 1947 The Danforth Studies of a largely in-bred population from two DLH Dams produced 254 poly kittens which were observed and logged: "The trait is not related to sex, and no evidence is found that its gene is lethal" He did not find evidence of split foot or radial hypoplasia (also called radial hemimelia) in his studies. See URL (Polydactyl Cats – Part 1 Copyright 2001-2009) CLICK -> http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html   In 2007, Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and Robert E. Hill from the MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital in Edinburgh U. K. studied polydactylism in the feline world. This was an attempt to expand on the current known genes that produce polydactyl expression in various species including humans, mice and cats. The feline study identified 3 variants of the Pd Gene, although similar, had slightly different expressions. This brought the total to 13, the number of identified genetic expressions of polydactylism, 3 of which were specifically associated with cats only. Although noted in the study, that polydactylism can be a problem in other species, no noted problems were found in the feline world. This study included Pedigreed Maine Coons, as well as Pedigreed PixieBobs and British Cats. The 3 variants are all benign expressions of the Pd gene. The study concluded that: "Analysis of polydactylous cats identified three new mutations...we submit that this type of polydactyly has not further detrimental effect on the cat's health". (Source; Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370 Advance Access published on December 21, 2007). The quote is just a small portion of the findings, but the full report and conclusions can be read from the source. See Reference Footnote: 5 (Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985) CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf  

II.   In 2006 PolyTrak was established to further look into the expressions of polydactylism in the Maine Coon Breed. Although not Scientific from the standpoint of controlled breeding and observations in a sterile lab, the PolyTrak studies have involved a much larger number of pedigreed Maine Coon kittens and adults over the past 9 years from "real-world" settings. These observations and studies are continuing to this day to compare the Scientific studies with observations from Catteries and pet-homes throughout the World. With over a 1000 Maine Coons, no noted detrimental effects from a genetic standpoint have been observed...thus lending credence to the above noted Scientific studies and observations. See URL (PolyTrak Website - Litter & Breeder Tracking) Click ->: http://www.polytrak.net  

III.   In addition to the above observations and studies, over 40 years of breeding and working with Maine Coon polydactyls from Catteries and responsible breeders around the World supports the hypothesis that if polydactyl breeding in pedigreed Maine Coons were a problem, "We would certainly know that by now!"   

IV.   "Mother Nature" selectively perpetuates or culls various genetic traits from all species based on "survivability" criteria. Those traits that aid a cat will be retained and most likely enhanced over hundreds or thousands of years. Those traits that are not conducive to its survivability will be not favourably maintained and will die out of a population. Regardless of personal feelings of whether or not a Maine Coon poly should be standing "front and center" in the Show Ring, we as stewards of these animals have a duty to not randomly cull or diminish a trait based on what we would like to compete with. We also have a duty as stewards to aid in the elimination of debilitating genetic maladies that can cause a "quality of life" issue with a particular cat or the breed as a whole.

The Maine Coon polydactyl has been fully accepted as part of the Maine Coon breed and has equal status for show purposes in the New Zealand Cat Fancy (the first WCC member organization to do so). Maine Coon polys are generally accepted for registration as a Maine Coon throughout many Cat Associations around the World, including TICA. The few that do not accept the Maine Coon polydactyl as part of the MC Breed are now beginning to revisit that stance. The F.C.C.Q, recently made such a change and discussions are on-going in other Associations. TICA, as a genetics based Registry and with "member-driven" policies, has made provisions for the introduction of a non-harmful trait and "genetically valid trait" into a Breed Standard. This is done primarily through an "Advanced New Traits" division, where the trait can be observed and the cat judged as a Maine Coon in a "show ring" setting, so that all may see the expression and how a cat compares to its other pedigreed counterparts. This display and judging has been going on throughout the World since September of 2005. Again no noted problems or genetic expressions that would preclude its full acceptance. 

It is generally accepted throughout the Cat Fancy that Maine Coon polydactyls are indeed an intricate and positive part of the Maine Coon Breed. Although there are a myriad of Rules and Standards in the various Cat Associations, all can be changed to allow full acceptance of the poly Maine Coon by forward-thinking people without personal prejudice. 

There is a concern that accepting Maine Coon polydactyls in the show ring would encourage extreme breeding practices. This could be a valid concern from the standpoint that extreme (and sometimes harmful) traits are bred for showing purposes in the name of a perfect or better show quality cats. Due to the different nature of the Pd gene in Maine Coons from other dominant traits, this is likely not possible. Mother Nature has built in a limit of 9 or 10 digits just due to the physical limitations and space on the limb bud. Although documented Maine Coons have never exceeded 8 digits (Source: www.polytrak.net) , if a way were found to breed cats with excessive number of digits, the limit would soon be reached due to physical restraints. Further, as a protection against this remote possibility, TICA, recognizing polydactyly as a valid trait, any polydactyl variant of an established breed showing in Championship status, would be limited to a maximum of 7 digits per paw. The Pixie Bob Breed has placed a maximum of 7 digits for show purposes and the Maine Coon would do likewise. Thus in the show ring, at least with TICA, one will never see a cat with more than 7 digits on a paw. . See URL (TICA – Standing Rules) CLICK -> http://www.tica.org This at present encompasses over 99% of the sampled kittens born in the last few years. 

The fact that remains is the gene is variable in expression regardless of breeding combinations. It is not lethal or even different in expression in its homozygous form, as is the case in some other expressions of a dominant gene. . See Reference Footnote: (Dr. Lyons Speaks before the WCC in Arnhem, The Netherlands) CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/7-DrLyons_Arnhem.pdf. Any areas concerning genetics can at some time produce anomalies of nature. Extremes may be found in any areas. This is the exception in life. Not the rule.

The Maine Coon polydactyl was part of this "natural" Breed and even in the beginning was considered and desired by many to be included as a Maine Coon in the Standard. See URL (Maine Coon Breeders and Fancier Association) CLICK -> http://www.mcbfa.org. 

It’s origins in the State of Maine are so cherished that the Maine Coon is the Official Maine State Cat and fully accepted in their hearts, regular footed or polydactyl.

We as fanciers and breeders of the Maine Coon polydactyl are custodians of the breed first and foremost. The breed standard should not supersede protection of the breed and its harmless naturally occurring traits. 

In every sense we believe the full meaning of this TICA statement and are firmly committed. “We are tireless champions for the welfare of cats.”

We are the champions for these great cats we feel 
they should be Champions as well.

Thank you
The Maine Coon Breeders and Fanciers that support the Maine Coon polydactyl Championship Status of a New Trait - PolyStandard

TIMELINE:
Polydactyly and Related Traits - Dr. Solveig Pflueger, Fall 1998
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/1-Pflueger_Traits.pdf

Dr. Leslie Lyons - 2001
Maine Coon breeders with polydactyls in their programs start sending DNA swabs to UC Davis for genetic testing. See URL (Polytrak & UC, Davis working together for collection of DNA swabs) CLICK -> http://www.polytrak.net/msc/dr_lyons_dna.htm

September 2005
Dr. Solveig Pflueger at the TICA Annual 2005 show suggested starting the database. 
PolyTrak See URL (Poly Data Listings) CLICK -> http://www.polytrak.net International Maine Coon Polydactyl Litter Tracking Database --- Over 1156 listings to date

June 2006
DNA samples can now be sent to University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA USA 95616. Cotton swabs can be used for samples, include Polytrak database number for pedigree tracking See URL (Polytrak & UC, Davis working together for collection of DNA swabs) CLICK -> http://www.polytrak.net/msc/dr_lyons_dna.htm

Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985
doi:10.1093/hmg/ddm370
Advance Access published on December 21, 2007 – See refernces.
Point mutations in a distant sonic hedgehog cis-regulator generate a variable regulatory
output responsible for preaxial polydactyly
Laura A. Lettice, Alison E. Hill, Paul S. Devenney and Robert E. Hill_
MRC-Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Crewe Rd, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.  Received October 16, 2007; Revised November 20, 2007; Accepted December 16, 2007.  Human Molecular Genetics, 2008, Vol. 17, No. 7 978–985  CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/5-Molecular_Genetics.pdf

Seminar in Moscow, Russian federation
Dr. Leslie Lyons, PhD, Assistant Professor at UC Davis, California recently
presented a seminar on genetics in Moscow, Russian Federation 
Statement from Dr Lyons: Pd gene is absolutely harmless even when homozygous and has nothing in common with Rh gene.  Dr. Lyons in Moscow (PolyTrak Newsletter Vol.3-No.4)
CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/4-DrLyons_Moscow.pdf

April 11, 2009 World Cat Congress, The Netherlands:
Open discussion with WCC Delegates began at 17:15.
Delegates spoke about their thoughts on including the Maine Coon Poly in the show ring.
Dr. Leslie Lyons UC Davis commented: a recent study on polydactyly was done and that
there are no problems with Maine Coon polydactyls, not even when they were homozygous.  Dr. Lyons Speaks before the WCC in Arnhem, The Netherlands CLICK -> http://polystandard.polytrak.net/acceptance/7-DrLyons_Arnhem.pdf.

July – Sept 2009 
Correspondence with Dr. Leslie Lyons and Vonne Bode, Database Coordinator, PolyTrak

Reprinted with permission from PolyStandard Group. (Rev. Nov09)
Copyright © 2009 PolyTrak 
All rights reserved.