The Legacy of Hemingway's Six-Toed Cats

Ernest Hemingway's former house has turned into something special - a home for dozens of unusual cats. The Nobel Prize-winning author was famous for many things. People know him for his adventures, his writing style, and how much he loved cats with extra toes.

How It All Started

The story begins with Snow White, a white six-toed cat given to Hemingway by a ship's captain. This special kitty sparked something in the famous writer. He fell in love with these unique felines that have six or seven toes on their front paws. These cats became so linked to him that people now call polydactyl cats "Hemingway cats."

The Museum Cat Colony Today

Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West today, and you'll find around 60 cats roaming freely. Many of these cats come from the same family line as Hemingway's original pets. The museum has become a true cat sanctuary.

Famous Names for Famous Cats

Each cat at the Hemingway house gets a special name. Following Hemingway's own tradition, the cats are named after famous people. During your visit, you might meet cats named Eleanor Roosevelt, Babe Ruth, or Marilyn Monroe.

The Royal Treatment

These lucky felines truly live like royalty. They have full access to the entire house and garden. You might spot them sleeping in Hemingway's bed, lounging on antique furniture, or greeting visitors with their extra-toed paws.

How to See the Cats

Can't make it to Key West? The museum offers live streams on their website where you can watch the cats from afar. There's even a special app called Hemingway Cats that shows an updated list of all the resident cats, complete with their names and photos.

These six-toed felines have become an important part of Hemingway's legacy. They connect us to the famous author while creating their own unique story that continues to charm visitors from around the world.