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Key West, Florida: Six-Toed Cats of Ernest Hemingway

More than 50 cats with extra toes have had the run of Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum for over 50 years.

Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum

Address:
907 Whitehead St., Key West, FL
Directions:
Ernest Hemingway's Home and Museum. Enter Key West via US Hwy 1, follow right fork. Continue on North Roosevelt which turns into Truman Ave. one block past Duval Street to Whitehead Street, turn right.
Hours:
Daily 9-5 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
305-294-1136
Admission:
Adults $14, Children $6
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Visitor Tips and News About Six-Toed Cats of Ernest Hemingway

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Hemingway pool.

Hemingway's Museum and Cats

I really enjoyed seeing the house and hearing the story of how Pauline, Hemingway's second wife, tore down his boxing ring and built the only swimming pool within 100 miles while he was away. When he returned he became so angry that he took a penny out of his pocket and threw it down, saying, "You have succeeded in spending my last red cent!" She had it embedded in the pool patio.

[Melanie Turner, 04/17/2021]

Hemingway cats.

Ernest Hemingway's Museum and Cats

My son and I stopped by the property to visit the six-toed cats, which have the run of the house during the day. Fun history -- his second wife spent "His Last Penny!" building a swimming pool; the penny is set into the ground by the pool.

At the entrance a small sign warns: "No alcoholic beverages or coconuts."

[Laura Lason, 05/11/2017]

6-toed Hemingway cat.

Ernest Hemingway's Museum and Cats

They are up to 52 six-toed cats, all named famous people's names. This cat is named Harry Truman. Look for the Cat Cemetery at the back of the house.

[Mavis & Jeff, 08/24/2014]

6-toed kitty.

Ernest Hemingway's Museum and Freak Cats

My wife and I didn't even go inside the house. We enjoyed walking the grounds and seeing all the six-toed cats. Definitely worth the trip.

[Jon P, 09/09/2011]

Cat drinking trough/urinal

Hemingway House & Museum

At Hemingway's home/museum in Key West, there is a drinking fountain he installed for his cats. It's a urinal Hemingway took from a restaurant in town when they were undergoing renovation. His wife at the time hated it, so she purchased an Italian vase to put on top of it to make it look less like a urinal and more like a fountain.

Take the guided tour to learn more about the quirky and odd stories of this family!

[Patty, 02/24/2011]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Hurricane Deflector GrottoHurricane Deflector Grotto, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
US 1 Milepost 0US 1 Milepost 0, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
Statue of the Conch-Blowing GreeterStatue of the Conch-Blowing Greeter, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Southernmost Point in Continental USA, Key West, FL - < 1 mi.

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