15/09/2025
At Raman Pharma, we love celebrating the people (and pets!) who make up our team. Today we’d like you to meet Shelby, the adorable polydactyl cat belonging to our Compliance Director, Clare Hardy. 😺
Polydactyl cats are born with extra toes, giving them charming “mitten paws”. It’s said those extra digits make them excellent hunters, and Shelby certainly doesn’t miss a trick when it comes to chasing toys or claiming the comfiest spot on the sofa!
Fun facts about polydactyl cats:
- Once considered lucky by sailors, polydactyl cats were believed to use their wide paws for better balance on ships and to be excellent at catching mice, keeping food stores safe during long sea voyages.
- Also known as “Hemingway cats” - writer Ernest Hemingway famously kept them at his Key West home.
- Their big paws can give them extra grip for climbing, swiping toys, and general mischief!
Shelby may not be chasing mice on ships, but he’s certainly keeping Clare entertained at home - and we think his mitten paws make him extra special!