Felis catus
Antipodean
The Antipodean is a naturally occurring polydactyl cat native to New Zealand, recognized by the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF). The breed carries the autosomal dominant Pd gene producing extra toes. The standard describes a medium to large, sturdy shorthaired cat with extra digits on the forefeet.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- New Zealand
- Origin period
- Late 18th century arrival with European settlers; NZCF breed recognition from 1990s
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- All colours and patterns recognized
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-18 years
- Recognition
- —
Origin
The Antipodean descends from domestic cats brought to New Zealand by European explorers and settlers from the late 18th century onward. Developing in geographic isolation, the New Zealand domestic cat population established a consistent physical type. The New Zealand Cat Fancy formalized this natural population as the Antipodean breed, creating a national identity for what is essentially the New Zealand domestic shorthair.
Standard
The NZCF Antipodean standard describes a moderately built, medium-sized domestic shorthair of balanced proportions — neither extreme in any feature. The coat is short and weather-resistant. All colours, patterns, and eye colours are permitted. The New Zealand Bobtail, a naturally short-tailed variant of the Antipodean, is recognized as a separate show class by NZCF.
New Zealand Cat Fancy Recognition
The Antipodean is recognized by the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF), the primary national registry in New Zealand. The NZCF recognition makes it one of the few polydactyl breeds formally recognized by a national registry as a distinct breed rather than a disqualifying fault. The breed is shown at NZCF-sanctioned shows but is not yet recognized by major international registries including CFA, TICA, GCCF, or FIFe.
Sources & further reading (1)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-27
Frequently asked questions
Is the Antipodean the same as a domestic shorthair?
The Antipodean is New Zealand's national recognition of the domestic shorthair cat that developed from the cats brought by European settlers. It has a formal breed standard set by the New Zealand Cat Fancy but is genetically identical to the general domestic shorthair cat population. It is not recognized by international registries such as CFA, TICA, or FIFe.
Is the Antipodean the same as the American Polydactyl?
No. The Antipodean is a separate polydactyl breed standardized by the New Zealand Cat Fancy from New Zealand's domestic cat population. The American Polydactyl is a US-origin breed in TICA's registration programme. Both carry the dominant Pd gene, but they have separate breed histories, conformation standards, and registry trajectories on opposite sides of the world.
Is the Antipodean recognized outside New Zealand?
No major international registry — CFA, TICA, GCCF, FIFe, or WCF — recognizes the Antipodean. Recognition is limited to New Zealand through the New Zealand Cat Fancy (NZCF). Some Australian cat organizations may accept the breed for exhibition through reciprocal agreements.
