Cats can have different genetic mutations; however, some are so rare that they often leave people astonished.
That’s exactly what happened when the Tennessee shelter staff found a kitten with an uncommon genetic mutation in the box.
It all happened when an auto repair shop employee found a taped-up box abandoned by the shop’s back gate. Driven by curiosity, he opened the box and discovered four kittens inside.
Unable to care for them, the kind-hearted man contacted True Rescue, an animal shelter in Tennessee, which welcomed them with open arms.
However, what happened next left everyone at the shelter in shock. After welcoming the kittens to the shelter, they needed a thorough examination.
Just when Kristin Condit, director of operations at True Rescue, was getting ready to check one of the kittens, her co-worker Ross noticed something truly unusual about him. Kristen shared in an interview:
“As I pulled him out of the carrier, Ross said, ‘What is that on his ear?’”
It turned out that this sweet kitten had a rare genetic mutation – an additional set of ears.
This kitten had four ears in total, with two ‘normal’ ones and two extra nestled inside them. This left everyone at the shelter stunned, as they had never encountered such a case.
After a thorough examination of the kitten, Amy Simcik, executive director of True Rescue, shared:
“His mutation is congenital, and it’s very rare, because it has to come from both sides of parents… We haven’t found any reports of cats and kittens with rear-facing extra ears.”
This unique kitten underwent a thorough examination, received necessary treatments, and began preparing for adoption. In the meantime, the shelter was trying to come up with a perfect name for such a unique feline.
After some time, they came up with a name that suited him perfectly – Audio, especially because they like to joke he has surround sound hearing.
However, what surprised the whole shelter was another discovery – Audio wasn’t the only kitten in the litter with four ears.
His tortoiseshell sister had a tiny extra ear on her right side, while his calico sister had one on her left. All kittens were taken to the vet and fortunately were found to be healthy.
Once everything was solved, the shelter was left with one thing to worry about. They were afraid that no one would want to adopt such kittens. However, Amy Simcik stepped in to save the day. She added:
“I decided to keep Audio myself. He’s going to be an ambassador for feral cats. He’s pretty unique.”
After everything he has been through, Audio deserves a loving home and the best life possible, and Amy is determined to give him just that.