X-Cats: Evolution!

At first blush, the fact that this cat...



...has 26 toes sounds like further proof that global warming, Dubya, the Iraq war and the popularity of "American Idol" is ruining the world and mutating our furry friends, but according to the article:

Extra has seven toes on each front paw and six toes on each back paw - instead of the normal five on each.

"Her mum Star is a normal cat but her grandmother had six toes on each paw as well and so does her brother. But we've never even heard of a kitten with seven toes on each front paw," says Kaelene.

"Extra's a good climber and runs really fast.

"We won't have to worry about her too much because she will sure be able to look after herself."

Staff at Glendowie Veterinary Clinic in Auckland say Extra's trait is relatively common and an inherited genetic condition called polydactyly.

It usually produces six toes, so Extra is that little bit special.

We're talking only six extra toes, so it's not as if we're in three-eyed fish territory. More ominous is this part:

"I have seen some cases, but not too many, with 26 toes. How fast and well will that cat climb?"

Some cat owners say the innermost extra toes on the front paws are often opposable and some use them with quite startling proficiency to manipulate small objects with almost human dexterity.

Others joke that because of that condition their animals are more intelligent, while others feel their pets represent the next stage in feline evolution - the ability to open cartons and cans unaided.

I've always known that the cats are planning on the anihilation of the human race - could they be behind the Islamofascist jihad? - so is Extra the prototype for some race of supercat stormtroopers?