Birmingham Foster Kitten with Rare Genetic Mutation Attracts National Attention

Dobby the Double-Eared Kitten Captivates Cat Lovers Worldwide

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A 7-month-old foster kitten named Dobby from Birmingham, Alabama has captured the hearts of people around the world due to his rare genetic condition that gives him an extra set of ears. Dobby, who is being cared for by volunteer Stephanie Brown at Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, has a condition called auricular polyotia that results in non-functional extra ear flaps. After going viral on Reddit, Dobby's story was picked up by Newsweek, further spreading his adorable fame.

Why it matters

Dobby's unique appearance has drawn significant attention to the work of Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, a local Birmingham animal shelter that rescues and fosters cats. The publicity has also highlighted the need for adopters and volunteers to support organizations caring for animals with special needs.

The details

Stephanie Brown, who has fostered over 130 cats for Kitty Kat Haven, saw Dobby on Facebook and immediately offered to take him in. Despite his distinctive double ears, which do not impact his hearing, Dobby requires dental surgery due to an overbite. Brown is committed to caring for Dobby until he is fully recovered and ready for adoption, although the kitten has already captured the hearts of many potential adopters.

  • Dobby, the 7-month-old foster kitten, was recently taken in by Stephanie Brown of Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue.
  • Dobby's story went viral after receiving over 27,000 upvotes on the Reddit black cat community.
  • Dobby's surgery to address his overbite is scheduled for April.

The players

Dobby

A 7-month-old foster kitten with a rare genetic condition called auricular polyotia that gives him an extra set of non-functional ear flaps.

Stephanie Brown

A volunteer at Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Birmingham, Alabama who has fostered over 130 cats and is currently caring for Dobby.

Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue

A local animal shelter in Birmingham, Alabama that rescues and fosters cats, including Dobby.

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What they’re saying

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

— Stephanie Brown, Dobby's Foster Parent (Newsweek)

“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, Dobby's Foster Parent (Newsweek)

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

— Stephanie Brown, Dobby's Foster Parent (Newsweek)

“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, Dobby's Foster Parent (Newsweek)

What’s next

Dobby's surgery to address his overbite is scheduled for April, and his foster parent Stephanie Brown is committed to caring for him until he is fully recovered and ready for adoption.

The takeaway

Dobby's viral fame has shone a spotlight on the important work of local animal shelters like Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue, and the need for more adopters and volunteers to support cats with special needs.