Ernest Hemingway and his Six-Toed Cats...

"One cat just leads to another" - Ernest Hemingway

The Ernest Hemingway house was built in 1851 by Asa Tift. The cats on the grounds are descendants of the cats he enjoyed, including many extra-toed, (polydactyls).

The house has been converted into a museum in Hemingway's honor. As requested in his will, the museum pays for all expenses incurred by the current residents: over 50 cats! Hemingway held his cats in high regard because of their independent attitude.

Information taken from: http://www.westcoastcat.com/books.html. and http://www.hemingwayhome.com/HTML/house.htm.

Comments: 14

Connie C. Jan 15, 2007, 10:06pm EST

Wow! I did not know this. Thanks for keeping me informed.

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Ruth MacGill Jan 15, 2007, 10:46pm EST

I had heard he liked cats. Just another reason to appreciate a fine author. His cats and their descendants probably have a good chance at life - no coyotes!

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Shaunee C. Jan 15, 2007, 11:17pm EST

this is very interesting.

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Marian L Jan 16, 2007, 6:00pm EST

I knew a lot of the descendants of Hemmingway's cats are polydactyls. I had one cat with seven toes on each front paw( not one of Hemmingway's cats).

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Leigh V. Jan 17, 2007, 12:18am EST

Interesting story and links. I save the links to my favorites.

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Emma F. Jan 18, 2007, 8:44pm EST

Interesting. Thanks for sharing.

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Annette E. Feb 4, 2007, 7:24pm EST

I had heard about the cats and how decendents still lived there, I didn't realize the museum pays for all their care. Guess it makes sense though..

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Katherine M. Feb 23, 2007, 4:28am EST

My cat Patches is a polydactyl ... they are amazing to watch.

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Kathy E. Mar 18, 2007, 8:24pm EDT

Love Hemingway and liked your links about the cats. I had a four footed double pawed cat named Aiden. He was a four wheel drive monster! His mother and all his litter mates were the same way. Liked you article.

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Luna Rushdi Jul 8, 2007, 6:46pm EDT

wow! this is interesting. Thanks so much for the links

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Marie L. Jul 12, 2007, 3:18pm EDT

Thanks for the interesting links -- there was a neat article in a magazine I had read a while back about Hemingway's cats and the museum -- nice to have a chance to follow up on it.

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Katherine M. Sep 5, 2007, 12:55am EDT

"One cat just leads to another" - Ernest Hemingway

Truer words were never spoken! Tho I will admit I have done my best to stop the growth of my "kitty Kids" to a group of three. 50 would be an extreme ... would give new meaning to the saying "the old cat lady!" lol

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Midnite Writer -- Kim Oct 12, 2007, 4:04pm EDT

love Ernest Hemingway quotes!

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Ernest Hemingway and his Six-Toed Cats (FAVORITE QUOTES)

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