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Polydactyl vs Polymelia in Cats. What's the Difference?

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  September 16th, 2025

For this feline, a life-altering condition was remedied with the removal of three extra legs! Giving this now-tripod kitty a new lease on life.

(photo credit: vnlit / shutterstock.com)

A recent article from Edmonton, Canada, caught my eye – probably more because of the shocking visuals that accompanied the story than the heartwarming conclusion. You see, it told the story of Bitsy, a six-legged cat that underwent surgery to remove two extra legs protruding from the side of her abdomen. The one-year-old feline had apparently been abandoned. After being noticed and then watched by concerned neighbours for a couple of days, she was captured and taken to a local cat rescue named the Furget Me Not for assessment.


Named for the Itsy Bitsy Spider (though luckily, this Bitsy had only six legs), it was evident to all that this gentle, highly social tabby would need surgery to improve her comfort and mobility. A GoFundMe was initiated, and before the final goal amount was raised, Windermere Veterinary Hospital had performed the much-needed surgery. Eventually, it was determined that one of her four main legs was not functioning properly and would need to be removed as well. So, Bitsy is now a tripod… with a whole lot of energy and a new lease on life. Per her foster parent, the little trooper was up eating and using the litter box within 24 hours of having her three limbs removed.


The veterinarian involved identified Bitsy’s plight as being something called polymelia. It’s a birth defect that results in animals (or humans) being born with extra limbs. In many instances, it’s caused by an embryo that initially began as conjoined twins but then degenerated to the point that only a limb or limbs from one of the twins is left. With Bitsy, it was not only the legs of her littermate that had remained, but a second pelvis that would need to be removed. Big surgery, big price tag, and luckily, big support from her community.


Now, what exactly causes this type of abnormality can range from genetic mutations to environmental factors that impact normal fetal growth – such as toxins, infections, and even radiation.


And polymelia is not to be confused with a harmless, not uncommon genetic condition called polydactyl, where felines are born with extra toes. Polymelia is life-altering and requires intervention through surgery. With wee Bitsy, it was the only way to ensure a happy, healthy future for the feline.


Which of course is in the cards as one of the devoted staff members at the veterinary clinic who has been fostering the loving little tripod cat, has now applied to adopt her.

WOW
Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Cats are known for their playful, sometimes quirky behavior, but when your normally gentle companion suddenly starts biting, it can be confusing and even concerning. Understanding why this shift happens is the first step toward addressing it. Let’s break it down.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Dog Who Went Missing Eight Years Ago Found 300 Miles From Home

Back in 2017, when Hurricane Harvey tore through Texas, a small brindle pug mix named Blue slipped through a broken fence in Corpus Christi and vanished into the chaos.Her family did everything they could to find her. They drove around for hours, called her name, made flyers, posted online, but Blue was just gone. Days turned into weeks, then months. Eventually, they had to face the heartbreaking possibility that Blue wasn’t coming back.Fast forward eight years.In early July, a stranger in Waco spotted a scruffy little dog wandering into a public restroom at Cameron Park. The pooch looked nervous but not wild, just tired, maybe a little lost. The person scooped the dog up and took it to a local shelter, the Circle Animal Shelter, where staff scanned for a microchip. To everyone’s surprise, the dog was chipped and registered to a family 300 miles away in Corpus Christi. Same name. Same phone number. And when the shelter called, the woman on the other end started crying.“I couldn’t believe it,” Blue’s owner told shelter staff over the phone. “After all this time... I never thought I’d hear about her again.”Shelter staff said Blue’s tail started wagging the minute she heard her owner’s voice. “She definitely recognized her name,” one of them said. “And you could just feel that spark, like something clicked.”The family immediately made plans to reunite, and met halfway between Waco and Corpus Christi. Photos from the day show Blue curled up in the backseat of the car, resting her head in her mom’s lap like no time had passed. They brought treats, her old blanket, and even the same squeaky toy she used to love. It was like turning the page back eight years.“She climbed right into my arms,” her owner said later. “Like she knew exactly who I was. She never forgot.”No one knows where Blue has been all this time. Maybe someone took her in. Maybe she got passed around, or perhaps she wandered town to town on her own, surviving off scraps and kindness. Her fur was matted, and she was underweight, but otherwise healthy, which only made the mystery deeper. One thing’s for sure though, she’s a survivor.The team at Circle Animal Shelter used the story to remind people why microchips matter. It’s not just about tagging your dog; it’s about giving them a way home, even years later.“This is why we always push for microchipping,” one shelter volunteer said. “You never think it’ll happen to you until it does. Blue’s story could’ve ended very differently if she hadn’t been chipped, or if the contact info was out of date.”It’s worth noting that Blue isn’t the only dog to find their way home years after Hurricane Harvey. Another dog, Maddie, was reunited with her family four years after the storm. Both cases are a living proof that microchipping works. And miracles happen.Now back home in Corpus Christi, Blue is adjusting to her old life like a pro. She’s a little older, sure. She moves slower and naps more. But she’s sleeping in her old bed again. Sitting by the same sunny window she loved as a puppy. She even perked up when she heard the jingle of her old collar being taken out of the drawer.“She’s just… home,” her owner said. “It’s like a piece of our family came back to us.”And for pet lovers everywhere, that’s the kind of ending we all hope for.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Should You Pack for a Perfect Dog Beach Trip?

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the magic of summer is behind us yet. The days are still long and warm! It’s the perfect time to soak up those last beautiful golden rays and make some unforgettable memories with your pup.While many people think of summer vacations as a thing of the past when August rolls around, my pups and I know better. This is a prime opportunity to plan one last epic beach getaway.But a great beach trip is going to require a little more preparation than just grabbing a towel and a toy before running out the door. To ensure your dog’s day playing in the water is both safe and fun, you need to create a more comprehensive dog beach checklist. This guide is your roadmap to a worry-free day at the beach, highlighting all the essentials you need so you can both enjoy every moment of your time together.Before You Go A perfect day at the beach with your dog starts long before you ever leave the driveway. It all comes down to a little bit of planning and research. Finding a Dog-Friendly Beach First and foremost, you’ll need to choose the right dog beach. Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to our furry friends. Before you load up the car, do a quick search for local dog-friendly beaches, reading up on their specific rules and reviews from other dog parents. Does your dog need to be on a leash? Are they allowed in only certain areas or during specific hours? Knowing these details in advance will save you from a frustrating trip and potential fines. It’s also a good idea to check the weather forecast and the tide schedule when planning your trip. A beach at low tide offers more space to run and play, while high tide might mean less shoreline. Knowing the weather will help you avoid getting trapped out in rough weather like heavy rain or a thunderstorm. Is Your Dog Ready for the Water? While some dogs leap into the waves without a second thought, others are more hesitant. It’s crucial to remember that not all dogs are natural swimmers, and that’s perfectly okay. My boy Lucifer was afraid of the waves at first and now loves swimming. However, my girl Willow has no interest in anything more than walking through the very edge of the water. If this is your dog’s first time at the beach, take it slow. Let them get their paws wet on their own terms. Encourage them with praise and treats to step into the shallow water. Don’t force it or you could create a negative association, turning them off the idea of swimming moving forward. If they’re happy just wading along the shoreline, that’s a success! A positive first experience will go far in helping you build their confidence and ensuring they will enjoy future trips. Beach Bag Essentials for Your Dog-Friendly Trip Your beach bag should be more than just a place to stash your sunscreen and a roll of poop bags; it’s a safety kit for your best friend. Every item you pack can make a world of difference. Water Safety It’s tempting to think your dog can handle the water on their own, but even the strongest swimmers can get tired or caught in a current, depending on the conditions where you’re swimming. This is where a life jacket becomes your best friend. A properly fitted dog life jacket provides buoyancy and can be a lifesaver, especially for breeds that aren’t natural swimmers, puppies, or older dogs. Most life jackets also have a handle on the back, which is incredibly useful for guiding your dog in the water or lifting them back into a paddleboard or boat if you head out paddling. We recently switched to the Ruffwear Confluence Life Jacket for Lucifer and love that it offers protection in an emergency while still allowing him to run and play. Playtime Preparedness Playing fetch on the beach is a classic, but what you throw matters. A simple stick can seem like a great toy, but it can lead to some serious risks. Sticks can splinter in your dog’s mouth, causing cuts and internal injuries. Pieces can also be swallowed, leading to intestinal blockages that require emergency surgery. Instead, pack safe, durable, and brightly colored floating toys. Our go-to is the Chuckit! Air Fetch Ball. These are easy to spot in the water and are designed for safe play. While playing fetch in the water, be mindful of how much water your dog is ingesting. Overconsumption can lead to water intoxication, a rare but life-threatening condition where a dog’s sodium levels drop dangerously low. If you notice your dog becoming lethargic, bloated, or uncoordinated, take a break from play and give them a chance to rest. Paw Protection The sand might feel cool and soft to you, but it can get scorching hot under the sun. Before letting your dog walk on it, check the sand’s temperature with the back of your hand. If it’s too hot for you to hold your hand on for a few seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s sensitive paw pads. In these cases, consider bringing booties, like the Canada Pooch Dog Boots for Hot Pavement, to protect their paws from burns. Dog Sunscreen Just like us, dogs can get sunburns, especially on areas with less fur, such as their noses and ears. If your dog has a light-colored, short, or thin coat, they are even more susceptible. Applying a dog-specific sunscreen to these sensitive areas can help prevent painful burns and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Alternatively, you can use a UV protection shirt like the Spark Paws Sunblock Dog T-Shirt with SPF 30 sun protection. Never use human sunscreen, as many of the ingredients are toxic to dogs if ingested. Emergency Supplies Even with careful planning, minor accidents can happen. Having a small, portable first aid kit can make all the difference. You can purchase a pre-made dog-friendly first aid kit or create your own with all the necessary emergency supplies. Your kit should include: Vet wrap for holding bandages in place Antiseptic wipes to clean minor cuts Saline solution to flush out sand or debris from their eyes Tweezers to remove small splinters or ticks Paw ointment to soothe irritated paw pads Finally, before you leave the house, double-check that your dog’s ID tags are securely attached and that the information is up to date. It’s a simple step that can increase the chances of getting your pup home safely if they happen to wander off.

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