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- The cat, named Audio, was taken in to the True Rescue shelter last month
The idea of a four-eared cat might sound like a creature from the lastest science fiction blockbuster.
But it has become a reality in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, where a feline has been born with four ears thanks to a rare genetic mutation.
The cat, named Audio, was taken in to the True Rescue shelter last month with his three other siblings.
Writing on its Facebook page, True Rescue explained: ‘This kitten came into our shelter today with his 3 other siblings, and he has a rare genetic mutation having been born with FOUR EARS!
‘The last kitten we were able to find research about that had 4 ears came from Turkey and was from 2 years ago.’
The idea of a four-eared cat might sound like a creature from the lastest science fiction blockbuster. But it has become a reality in Mount Juliet, Tennessee , where a feline has been born with four ears thanks to a rare genetic mutation
Audio was just 8-9 weeks old when he was brought in to the rescue centre after being discovered with his litter mates in Nashville, Tennessee.
In a video posted to its Facebook page, a staff member at True Rescue explained: ‘They were found duct taped inside a box with no air holes, and a good samaritan was able to get them out, get them fed, and get them to us.’
Placing Audio on a table, they added: ‘He has four ears!
‘We have front-facing ear flaps and then rear-facing ear flaps.
‘He is very sweet and very grateful not to be stuck in that box anymore.’
The photos and videos of Audio have garnered huge attention on Facebook, where animal lovers have flocked to the comments to express their delight.
Audio was just 8-9 weeks old when he was brought in to the rescue centre after being discovered with his litter mates in Nashville, Tennessee
In recent years, several four-eared felines have hit the headlines, including a Russian Blue named Midas who has amassed a whopping 344,000 followers on Instagram
‘This is SOOO cool! I love genetic abnormalities, just fascinating. Glad he is doing well,’ one user commented.
Another added: ‘He’s so precious! The ears remind me of Dobby, I think that would be a cute name for him.’
And one joked: ‘Extra ears to ignore with.’
While cats with four ears are rare, they’re not unheard of.
According to a study, published in the Journal of Heredity back in 1957, the feature is due to a recessive mutation that only affects the outer ear flaps (also known as pinnae), and not the inner-ear mechanism.
However, that study also found that many cats with the mutation also have smaller eyes, an undershot jaw, and were more inactive and lethargic.
In recent years, several four-eared felines have hit the headlines, including a Russian Blue named Midas who has amassed a whopping 344,000 followers on Instagram.
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAT? THE 13 SECRET SIGNALS FELINES GIVE THEIR OWNERS
Cats are often branded aloof and solitary creatures who spend their days plotting their human owner’s demise, but such characterisations could not be further from the truth.
In fact, our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language.
In her eye-opening new book Kitty Language: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Your Cat, author Lili Chin – with the help of animal behaviourists – explains how to interpret your pet’s movements.
Below are some of the most common behaviours and what they could signal.
Our feline friends constantly communicate their feelings of affection to us, whether it be through their whiskers, tail, face or body language
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