An Alabama cat available for adoption is capturing attention due to its unique extra set of ears that appear smaller and positioned in front of its regular ears. Stephanie Brown, who is currently fostering the cat named Dobby in Pelham, Alabama, described the unusual feature as additional skin flaps that do not impact the cat’s hearing or cause any discomfort.
According to Brown, veterinarians have confirmed that Dobby’s genetic mutation, which resulted in the extra ears, is exceptionally rare. The shelter, Kitty Cat Haven and Rescue, also highlighted the novelty of Dobby’s condition, emphasizing that in their years of operation, he is the first cat with such a unique trait they have come across.
Brown first learned about Dobby through a Facebook post by his previous owners, who mentioned that he was having difficulties coexisting with their other cat. Named after the Harry Potter character Dobby, the cat’s distinctiveness extends beyond his extra ears to a short, curled tail and a severe underbite that will necessitate surgery.
Despite his unusual characteristics, Dobby has been receiving numerous adoption requests, prompting the shelter to temporarily halt new applications until after his upcoming dental surgery in April. Brown expressed confidence that finding a suitable forever home for Dobby will not be a challenge once he is fully ready for adoption.
Regarding Dobby’s additional ears, a veterinarian has reassured that they should not pose any future health concerns. Brown, who has been fostering animals with her husband since 2020, finds the experience immensely rewarding despite the challenges it presents. Even with a household already bustling with pets and a young daughter, Brown admitted considering the possibility of adopting Dobby herself in the future.