Key West sides with Hemingway Cats.

By Miss Cellania in Animals & Pets on Jul 9, 2007 at 2:29 pm

charlie_chaplin.jpg

The Ernest Hemingway Home in Key West, Florida has been home to a group of about 50 cats, many of them polydactyl, for decades. Some are the descendants of the original six-toed cat the author was given in 1935. The Hemingway estate has been locked in a struggle with the USDA for almost a year, which says the cats are an “exhibit” and require a special permit. The Key West City Commission has just passed an ordinance, granting the estate an exemption from the law.

The new ordinance reads in part, “The cats reside on the property just as the cats did in the time of Hemingway himself. They are not on exhibition in the manner of circus animals. … The City Commission finds that family of polydactyl Hemingway cats are indeed animals of historic, social and tourism significance.”

Link -via Simply Left Behind


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  1. Alex
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 3:27 pm

    I thought someone drew a mustache on the cat, turns out it’s natural!

    Charlie Chaplin is a sweet natured five year old who earned the name due to a tiny black mustache and quiet nature.

    This cat’s favorite occupation is sleeping under the Banyan tree, and is encountered by almost all our visitors on their tour of the home and gardens.

    Probably one of our most photographed feline residents.

  2. Miss Cellania
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 3:32 pm

    I like how they named the cats after movie stars and literary figures!

  3. Chris
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pm

    cats that are either polydactyl or have lips!

  4. Matt
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 5:39 pm

    pol·y·dac·tyl [pol-ee-dak-til] Pronunciation Key – Show IPA Pronunciation
    –adjective Also, pol·y·dac·tyl·ous.
    1. having many or several digits.
    2. having more than the normal number of fingers or toes.

    –noun
    3. a polydactyl animal.

  5. meg
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 8:57 pm

    that is a pretty ridiculous lookin kitty.

  6. Carl Huber
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 9:07 pm

    Gotta love the Hemingway cats. Gotta.

    Do it.

    Love them

    Now.

    Yes Hemingway cats. You can has love. Extra love for your extra toes too!

  7. Conor
    Jul 9th, 2007 at 10:19 pm

    Wow this is the first real bit of wonderful news I’ve heard today. I’m glad there are some decent people in the Florida government.

  8. aware
    Jul 10th, 2007 at 12:43 am

    im in ur garden
    wearin ur goatee

  9. Natasha
    Jul 10th, 2007 at 1:30 am

    He looks like V for Vendetta cat.


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