Rescue kitten with 28 toes ties Guinness World Record after finding forever home

"When he isn't being a ball of energy, he is such a big baby," Toby's mom, Delaney Henderson said of the cat

A rescue kitten from Michigan has tied the Guinness World Record for the most toes on a cat, thanks to his extraordinary 28 digits and 30 claws.

The 10-month-old feline, named Toby, officially matched the longstanding record set by Jake the Polydactyl Cat of Canada in 2002 after veterinarians confirmed he has 28 toes. Toby, who lives in Lansing, Michigan, was adopted by Delaney Henderson in 2025 as a companion for her other rescue cat, Connie, who is also polydactyl.

Henderson said she had been searching for a friend for Connie when Toby's foster carer mentioned his unusual paws.

"When I first saw his toes, I really couldn't believe what I was seeing!" Henderson said. "Having another polydactyl cat, I was expecting the extra 'thumbs,' but nothing could've prepared me to see Toby's paws."

Although Toby's record-breaking paws initially caught her attention, Henderson said it was his personality that convinced her he belonged in her family.

"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 said.

After arriving at his new home, Toby was initially shy but soon grew into what Henderson describes as an energetic and affectionate cat. She said he loves racing around the house, jumping on furniture and is especially motivated by food, often howling whenever someone opens the pantry.

"When he isn't being a ball of energy, he is such a big baby," Henderson said. "He loves cuddles, will purr as soon as you touch him, and falls asleep between my legs anytime I am on the couch."

Despite having 28 toes and 30 claws, Toby is in excellent health. Henderson said his extra digits require little more than regular nail trims and do not affect his day-to-day life.

"He is in great health, and beyond a thorough nail trimming, he is a regular kitty with no extra concerns," she explained.

Toby shares a playful relationship with Connie, who has extra toes on her front paws. Henderson described the pair as having a typical sibling dynamic, chasing each other around the house while also providing companionship and emotional support.

She hopes Toby's newfound fame will encourage more people to adopt rescue animals.

"Having these two kitties has truly changed my life for the better," Henderson said. "They have become the best emotional support for everyone in our household and always bring joy and love to everyone they meet."