Polycoon Cat Breed Information
Also known as: Polydactyl Maine Coon
A NZ-developed registration recognising polydactyl Maine Coons as a distinct breed. Polydactyly (extra toes) is a historic Maine Coon trait that some registries (CFA) exclude from the modern Maine Coon standard, prompting separate breed recognition by Catz Inc.
A highly affectionate, highly trainable, great with young children cat. On the practical side: minimal drool. The trade-off is sheds plenty.
About the Polycoon.
The Polycoon is a NZ-registered breed for polydactyl Maine Coons, recognising the historic polydactyl trait that CFA excluded from the modern Maine Coon standard in the 1950s. Same body type, same temperament, same care needs as a Maine Coon, with the addition of one to two extra toes per paw and a slightly more involved nail-care routine.
Personality and behaviour
Same as Maine Coon. Family-friendly, sociable, dog-like.
Care and grooming
Same as Maine Coon, plus fortnightly nail checks on the extra toes.
Indoor vs outdoor in New Zealand
Indoor or catio.
Where to find a Polycoon in New Zealand
Catz Inc lists registered breeders. Often produced by Maine Coon breeders working with polydactyl lines. NZD 1,500 to 3,500.
The Polycoon, by the numbers.
Each trait scored 1 to 5 on the AKC scale. The verdict synthesises the data; the panels below show the strengths, group averages, and the full trait table.
Top strengths
Family Life
avg 5.0Affectionate with Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Pets
Physical
avg 4.0Shedding
Grooming Frequency
Social
avg 3.5Openness to Strangers
Playfulness
Adaptability
Independence
Personality
avg 3.2Trainability
Energy Level
Vocal Level
Prey Drive
Mental Stimulation Needs
Living with a Polycoon.
A 24-hour breakdown of how this breed's day typically goes, scaled to its energy, mental-stimulation, and grooming needs.
What a Polycoon costs to own.
An indicative NZ lifetime cost: purchase, setup, then food, vet, insurance, grooming and other annual outgoings. Adjust the inputs to see how your choices change the total.
A Polycoon costs about
$200per month
$46
$7
$36,372
Adjust the inputs:
Where the monthly cost goes
Food
$47 / mo
$565/yr · breed-appropriate dry & wet food
Insurance
$39 / mo
$463/yr · lifetime cover protects against breed-specific claims
Vet (avg)
$49 / mo
$590/yr · routine checks plus breed-specific risk
Grooming
$40 / mo
$480/yr · brushes, shampoo, professional clips
Other
$25 / mo
$300/yr · toys, treats, dental, boarding
Indicative NZ averages calculated from breed weight, grooming need and screened-condition count. One-off costs (purchase $2,500 + setup $300) are factored into the lifetime total but not the monthly figure.
How does the Polycoon compare?
This breed
Polycoon
$36,372
14-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$2,800
- Food (lifetime)$7,910
- Vet (lifetime)$8,260
- Insurance (lifetime)$6,482
- Grooming (lifetime)$6,720
- Other (lifetime)$4,200
Reference
Average NZ cat
$23,600
14-year lifetime cost
- Purchase + setup$500
- Food (lifetime)$7,000
- Vet (lifetime)$5,600
- Insurance (lifetime)$5,600
- Grooming (lifetime)$1,400
- Other (lifetime)$3,500
A Polycoon costs about $12,772 more over a lifetime than the average nz cat, mostly highergrooming and highervet.
What to ask the breeder.
Reputable NZ cat breeders test for these conditions and share results. The bigger health drivers for the breed appear in the Common group.
Common
1 conditionHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Inherited from Maine Coon foundation. DNA test (MyBPC3) available.
Occasional
2 conditionsHip dysplasia
Larger frame increases risk.
Polydactyl-associated nail issues
Extra toes need fortnightly nail checks; nails on the dewclaw-style extra toes can grow into footpads if uncleaned.
Rare but urgent
1 conditionSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Rare in the Polycoon but worth knowing the warning signs.
The Polycoon in NZ.
- Popularity: A small NZ-specific Catz Inc registration.
- Typical price: NZ$1500–3500 from registered breeders or rescues
- Rescue availability: rare
- NZ climate fit: Same as Maine Coon. Suits cooler regions; provide cool spots in upper North Island summers.
- Living space: Houses with vertical climbing space.
Who the Polycoon is for.
Suits
- Families wanting a Maine Coon temperament with the historic polydactyl trait
- Multi-pet homes
Less suited to
- Households unprepared for Maine Coon-grade grooming
- Outdoor-roaming setups
Common questions.
Is a Polycoon a Maine Coon?
Are extra toes a problem?
If the Polycoon appeals, also consider.
Breeds with a similar profile that might suit your household.
Maine Coon
One of the largest domestic cat breeds. Friendly, dog-like in temperament, with a magnificent long coat and tufted ears.
Pixiebob
A US-developed breed bred to resemble the wild bobcat, with a short tail, often polydactyl paws, and a muscular build. Despite the wild appearance, the Pixiebob has no recent wild blood and is fully domestic in temperament.
Norwegian Forest Cat
Large, robustly-built semi-longhair developed naturally in the Norwegian forest and coast for centuries before formal recognition. Calm, independent, weather-adapted, and one of the larger pedigree cats in NZ.
Last reviewed:
Sources for this pageInformation only. Breed traits and health notes on this page are aggregated from public registry and breed-authority sources. Individual animals vary; this page is general information, not veterinary, behavioural, or insurance advice. Always consult a registered NZ vet or breeder for guidance specific to your situation.