Birmingham foster kitten with rare genetic mutation attracts national attention

Images of an adorable foster kitten with a rare genetic ear mutation recently captured the hearts of cat-lovers all around the world. That little fella, Dobby, is located right here in Birmingham and is in the care of Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue.

His foster, Stephanie Brown, saw the 7-month-old kitten on Facebook after his previous family decided to put him in rescue care. Brown was smitten and leaped at the opportunity to foster him.

“His double-ears are so unique and cute, it’s impossible not to be drawn to him.

“Dobby has a wonderful temperament. While his ears certainly are a unique physical attribute, how much he prefers kids makes him even more unique.”

Stephanie Brown via Newsweek

The condition, known as auricular polyotia, is a congenital anomaly that results in non-functional ear flaps. Although it is rare, it’s especially rare that the extra tissue is as distinctive as Dobby’s “extra ears.”

After receiving more than 27,000 upvotes in the black cat community on Reddit, global nets outlet Newsweek picked up the story.

“Dobby has continued to win hearts right and left, although we did have to clarify that he’s not AI, amusingly.

“Many people have humorously noted that his double ears mean that he can ignore you twice as much. True to the cat community I’ve come to know and love, Dobby has been welcomed and adored.”

Stephanie Brown via Newsweek

Caring for Dobby

The double ears don’t impact Dobby’s hearing, but he has an overbite that requires dental surgery.

Brown, who volunteers with Kitty Kat Haven, has fostered more than 130 cats, so she is more-than equipped to care for double-earred Dobby.

“He isn’t adoptable quite yet. As it turns out, it was fortunate he came into our rescue care because Kitty Kat Haven thoroughly vets all the kitties and detected that he needs a dental procedure.”

Stephanie Brown

His surgery is set for April, and Brown is committed to caring for him until he is fully recovered. Brown recently posted on her Facebook asking for ideas for how to fundraise for the surgery.

Even though many folks may have their hearts set on Dobby, Brown encourages anyone interested in helping the cause to volunteer with Kitty Kat Haven.

“If any local cat-lovers are looking to get involved with Kitty Kat Haven, we are always looking for volunteers and foster families. Spring is fast-approaching, and it’s our busiest time with the most kittens in need!”

Stephanie Brown

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