Unique 'Double-Eared' Foster Kitten Searching for Loving Home

Dobby the kitten was born with a rare genetic mutation that gives him four ear flaps, melting hearts online.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 7-month-old foster kitten named Dobby has gone viral on social media due to his unusual physical trait - he was born with a rare genetic mutation that gives him four ear flaps, making it appear he has double ears. Dobby's previous family decided to rehome him after he didn't get along with their senior cat, and he is now being fostered by Stephanie Brown, who volunteers for Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Alabama. Despite his unique look, Dobby has a wonderful temperament and loves interacting with children and other cats.

Why it matters

Dobby's story highlights how even animals with rare or unusual physical attributes can make wonderful pets and companions. His viral popularity online has also helped raise awareness for animal rescue organizations like Kitty Kat Haven and the need to find loving forever homes for pets in need.

The details

Dobby was born with a genetic mutation that gives him four ear flaps, making it appear he has double ears. His previous family tried for months to acclimate him to their senior cat, but ultimately decided to put him up for rehoming. Stephanie Brown, a volunteer at Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Alabama, immediately offered to foster Dobby when she saw his photos online. Despite his unique look, Dobby has a wonderful, affectionate temperament and loves interacting with children and other cats. He is scheduled for a dental surgery in April, and Brown plans to continue fostering him until at least May to allow time for his recovery. Once medically cleared, Dobby will be available for adoption through Kitty Kat Haven, with a preference for a family with young children.

  • Dobby was born 7 months ago.
  • Dobby was placed in foster care with Stephanie Brown on February 8, 2026.
  • Dobby is scheduled for dental surgery in April 2026.
  • Dobby will be available for adoption through Kitty Kat Haven after May 2026.

The players

Stephanie Brown

A 39-year-old volunteer for Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Alabama who is currently fostering Dobby the kitten.

Dobby

A 7-month-old kitten born with a rare genetic mutation that gives him four ear flaps, making it appear he has double ears.

Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue

An animal rescue organization based in Hoover, Alabama that is working to find Dobby a forever home.

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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)

“Omigosh his ears remind me of butterfly wings so unique!”

— Anonymous (Reddit)

“He looks like a tiny face in front of a bigger one! Much loves to Dobby.”

— Anonymous (Reddit)

What’s next

Once Dobby's dental surgery is completed in April 2026 and he has recovered, he will be available for adoption through Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Hoover, Alabama. The rescue is hoping to place him in a forever home, preferably with a family that has young children.

The takeaway

Dobby's unique physical trait has captured the hearts of many online, highlighting how even animals with rare characteristics can make wonderful pets. His story underscores the importance of animal rescue organizations and the need to find loving homes for all pets in need, regardless of their appearance.