An Alabama cat available for adoption is capturing attention due to its unique feature of having an additional set of ears. Stephanie Brown, who is currently caring for the unusual feline named Dobby, described the extra earflaps as smaller and positioned in front of his regular ears, almost appearing backward. According to Brown, these additional earflaps do not cause any issues or discomfort and do not affect Dobby’s hearing.
Brown, based in Pelham, Ala., revealed that veterinarians have informed her that this genetic mutation in Dobby is exceptionally rare. The shelter, Kitty Cat Haven and Rescue, also confirmed the rarity of this condition, mentioning that Dobby is a first-of-its-kind case for them, having cared for over 6,800 cats and kittens since 2017.
Dobby came to Brown’s attention through a Facebook post by his previous owners, who cited compatibility issues with their other cat. Named after the house elf in the Harry Potter series due to his distinctive ears, Dobby’s uniqueness extends to a short, curly tail and a severe underbite necessitating surgery.
Despite these challenges and Dobby’s evident eccentricities, adoption requests for him are pouring in, prompting the shelter to temporarily halt new applications. Brown explained that Dobby will undergo dental surgery in April before becoming available for adoption, a process she anticipates will be smooth.
Regarding Dobby’s extra ears, Brown reassured potential adopters that the veterinarian confirmed they should not pose any future health concerns. She expressed a desire for Dobby to retain his unique feature, believing it adds to his charm.
Brown, who has been fostering animals with her husband since 2020, emphasized the fulfillment and challenges of fostering pets. Despite her household already being occupied by her own pets, including a “wobbly” cat named Phoebe, three other cats, a dog, and a young daughter, Brown admitted contemplating the possibility of adopting Dobby herself in the future.