A ‘Double-Eared’ Kitten Is Capturing Hearts While Waiting for a Home

At first glance, he looks almost too extraordinary to be real. A tiny black kitten with what appears to be four delicate ears has quietly become an internet sensation, melting hearts with a face that seems straight out of a storybook. His name is Dobby, and while social media cannot stop admiring his rare features, this sweet seven-month-old kitten is simply searching for something far more meaningful than viral fame. Behind those unusual double ear flaps is a gentle, affectionate soul hoping for a forever home where he can finally settle in and feel safe.

Dobby’s story began with uncertainty. His previous family loved him, but after months of trying to help him coexist with their senior cat, it became clear that the arrangement was not working. The tension in the home left everyone stressed, including the gentle kitten. Wanting the best for both cats, the family made the difficult decision to place Dobby in rescue care so he could have a fresh start.

That fresh start came when Stephanie Brown, 39, from Pelham, Alabama, spotted his photo while scrolling through Facebook. She volunteers with Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue and was instantly captivated.

“I audibly squealed,” Brown shared. “His double ears are so unique and cute, it’s impossible not to be drawn to him.”

At just seven months old, Dobby was born with a rare genetic mutation that gave him extra ear flaps, creating the illusion of four ears. The soft folds frame his face like delicate butterfly wings. Paired with his short, curled tail and a tiny overbite, he looks almost storybook magical.

But it is not just his appearance that makes him unforgettable.

A Gentle Soul With a Big Heart

From the moment Dobby stepped into Brown’s home on February 8, he showed nothing but warmth. New environments can be frightening for young cats. Strange smells. Unfamiliar sounds. Different routines. Yet Dobby met it all with bright curiosity instead of fear.

“He has shown affection and playfulness from day one,” Brown said. “I have yet to see him hiss even once.”

He moves through the house with soft paws and wide eyes, eager to explore but careful not to overstep. When introduced to Brown’s resident cats, he behaved like what she lovingly calls “a perfect gentleman.” He approaches with interest, pauses when needed, and respects their boundaries.

What truly sets him apart is his love for children. Dobby lights up whenever Brown’s young daughter enters the room. His body relaxes. His tail curls with contentment. He leans in for gentle pets and follows her from room to room, as if he has already chosen his favorite human.

While his double ears may catch attention first, it is his tender temperament that leaves a lasting impression.

Fortunately, the extra ear flaps do not affect his hearing. He responds quickly to sounds and turns his head with perfect coordination. His overbite does require dental surgery, which is scheduled for April. Brown plans to keep fostering him through recovery, ensuring he feels safe and comforted every step of the way.

In the quiet moments, Dobby curls into soft blankets or stretches out in sunlit patches on the floor. There is a calmness about him now, a sense that he knows he is safe. After the upheaval of rehoming, stability has given him room to simply be a kitten.

When Brown shared his photos on Reddit and Instagram, she never expected the reaction that followed. The Reddit post about “double-eared Dobby” quickly soared past 27,000 votes and hundreds of comments. People from around the world were enchanted.

Some compared his ears to butterfly wings. Others joked that having double ears must mean he can ignore you twice as much. Many could not believe he was real, prompting Brown to reassure amused followers that Dobby is very much a living, purring kitten.

Behind the viral fame is a small cat who just wants what every animal deserves: a loving, permanent home. Once medically cleared, Dobby will be available for adoption through Kitty Kat Haven and Rescue in Hoover, Alabama. Brown hopes he will join a family with young children, where his affectionate spirit can truly shine.

For now, Dobby continues to win hearts one photo at a time. Beneath those extraordinary ears is a gentle, resilient soul who has already proven that being different can be something truly beautiful.

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