Rescue Kitten Toby Ties World Record with 28 Toes

When Delaney Henderson opened her door to a 10-month-old rescue kitten, she had no idea she was welcoming a world record holder into her home.

Toby, a polydactyl cat from Lansing, Michigan, has officially tied the Guinness World Record for most toes on a cat with an astonishing 28 digits. The achievement matches a record set back in 2002 by Jake the Polydactyl Cat from Canada.

Henderson was searching for a companion for her other rescue cat, Connie, who also has extra toes. But nothing prepared her for Toby's extraordinary paws. "When I first saw his toes, I really couldn't believe what I was seeing!" Henderson told Guinness World Records.

The adoption listing hadn't mentioned his unusual feet, but his foster mom gave Henderson a heads up. Still, seeing Toby in person was a shock. "Having another polydactyl cat, I was expecting the extra 'thumbs,' but nothing could've prepared me to see Toby's paws," she said.

It wasn't just the record-breaking digits that sealed the deal. Henderson felt an instant connection. "I had a gut feeling when I met him that he was meant to be in my life, and I am so grateful to have given him a forever home," she shared.

Toby started out shy in his new home but quickly transformed into an energetic, talkative bundle of joy. He's particularly food motivated and will howl whenever someone opens the pantry door. He's even been caught biting through treat packaging on his own.

When he's not racing around the house, Toby becomes what Henderson lovingly calls "such a big baby." He purrs instantly when touched and loves falling asleep between her legs on the couch.

Despite having 28 toes and 30 claws, Toby is in perfect health. Beyond needing thorough nail trims, he's just like any other healthy kitten with no extra medical concerns.

Sunny's Take

Toby now shares his home with Connie, who acts like the responsible older sister while Toby keeps everyone on their toes (all 28 of them). The two love chasing each other around the house in classic sibling fashion. Henderson hopes their story shows people that rescue animals with unique characteristics make wonderful companions and deserve loving homes just like any other pet.

Finding the perfect match sometimes means opening your heart to the unexpected.