An Alabama cat available for adoption is gaining significant attention due to its unique feature of having an extra set of ears. Stephanie Brown, the current foster caregiver of the unusual feline, described the additional earflaps situated in front of its regular ears as smaller and somewhat backward, yet they do not impact its hearing or cause any discomfort.
According to Brown, veterinary professionals have informed her that this genetic anomaly in the cat, named Dobby, is exceptionally rare. The Kitty Cat Haven and Rescue shelter, in agreement, emphasized the extraordinary nature of Dobby’s condition, stating that out of over 6,800 cats and kittens they have cared for since 2017, Dobby stands out as a first-time case.
Brown initially learned about Dobby through a social media post by his previous owners, who mentioned his struggle to get along with their other cat. Named after the house elf in the Harry Potter series due to his distinct ears, Dobby possesses more unique characteristics, including a short, curled tail and a severe underbite requiring surgical intervention.
Despite these peculiarities, the influx of adoption requests for Dobby has been overwhelming, prompting the shelter to temporarily suspend new applications until Dobby undergoes dental surgery in April. Brown is confident that finding a suitable adoptive family for Dobby will not pose any challenges once he is ready for adoption.
Regarding Dobby’s extra ears, Brown reassured potential adopters that the veterinarian has confirmed they should not pose any future issues. She expressed a desire to preserve Dobby’s unique feature, believing it adds to his charm.
Since 2020, Brown and her husband have been actively fostering animals after recognizing the necessity for foster families in the cat adoption process. Despite already caring for multiple pets, including her own “wobbly” cat Phoebe, three other cats, a dog, and a young daughter, Brown admitted being tempted to consider adopting Dobby herself in the future, although the decision remains uncertain.
