15 Of The Wildest And Cutest Genetic Mutations Ever Spotted In Pets

They come in all shapes and sizes. Some walk, some slither, some fly, and some swim. Humans are blessed to share the planet with just over 2.1 million recognized species of animals. And scientists say there are millions more that are yet to be discovered.

Many animals like to play it safe, sticking to the normal blueprint of what they “should” look like. Then some are born different, displaying unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.

Pictolic has tracked down a bunch of photos of animals who aren’t letting genetic mutations stand in their way. From four-eared cats to two-headed tortoises, these cute creatures are rocking their rare traits loud and proud for all the world to see. Keep scrolling for an adorable list of animals breaking stereotypes by sporting something very different from their families, and don't forget to upvote your favorites.

15 PHOTOS

#1 Chimeric Cat

#2 My Family Makes Fun Of Him Because Of His Ears So Please Tell Him He’s The Cutest Patootie In The Whole World. Meet My Cat, Sheriff

#3 A Cute Dog With Vitiligo

Animal rescue workers were going about their day in July 2024, when a box of kittens was brought in. At first glance, while the situation was very sad, it didn’t seem like anything too out of the ordinary. The staff at True Rescue in Tennessee are trained to deal with abandoned and neglected animals, after all.

In this case, the four kittens had been discovered inside a duct-taped cardboard box with no air holes. Someone had fortunately spotted them dumped outside a fence before a garbage truck arrived.

According to the shelter, the kittens were around 8 weeks old when they arrived. They were underweight and had upper respiratory symptoms. Upon closer inspection, staff discovered something else that had them intrigued. One of the kittens had four ears.

“We were both very taken aback. That’s not something any of us affiliated with True Rescue have ever seen, probably the rarest of genetic abnormalities that we’ve heard of,” said Kristin Condit, director of operations for the shelter.

#4 This Cat I Met Today Has Sauron’s Eyes

#5 My Kittens Eyes Are Currently 2 Distinct Colors

I doubt they'll be like this forever, but watching the process of her baby blues transform sure is magical!!

#6 Jedo Has A Reduced Adoption Fee At The Shelter Where I Foster. He’s A Senior Gentlemen Doing His Best To Be Handsome

True Rescue staff introduced the “ear-resistible” kitten to the world via a Facebook post. They uploaded a reel the following day, revealing that the kitten has an extremely rare genetic mutation that’s completely harmless. “We decided to name this kitten Audio because he has built-in surround-sound speakers!” reads the post.

Audio immediately became an internet sensation because of his cute and unique features, with several media outlets picking up the story. The shelter received hundreds of adoption applications, but in the end, they decided that Audio was too special to be let go.

“We have been stressed about how we would find the right applicant, and ultimately for his safety and our sanity, I've decided to adopt him,” True Rescue executive director Amy Simcik told Forbes. Audio has since become an ambassador animal for the shelter.

#7 My Boys Paws Look So Funny From A Upward Angle. I Love Him

#8 My Boy Buster (4yo) Has Completely Changed From Black To White Over The Course Of The Last 2.5 Years

My dog Buster has the skin condition vitiligo. It causes depigmentation of the skin (and fur). These photos beautifully capture how vitiligo has made Buster even more unique: November 2021, November 2022, August 2023, and April 2024.

#9 This Cat's Feet Are Units

Audio isn’t the first cat to go viral for having four ears. Midas made headlines in 2021 when he was adopted by a woman in Turkey. The Russian Blue mix also sports quadruple ears and has been described as a perfectly healthy cat that has no problem hearing.

Midas’ genetic mutation shot him to fame almost immediately. His Instagram account has garnered 339k followers since it was created. His "first day at home" post got over 7,000 likes, while a pretty portrait has received more than 1.8 million.

#10 Deetz

#11 Meet My Unusual Cat, Owsley! He Was Born Without Testicles, Stopped Growing At 6 Months, And Remains Kitten Sized Today, He Turns 2 Tomorrow!

#12 This Is Emi, She Was Tragically Born With Only One Brain Cell

While Audio and Midas’ unique features have worked in their favor, and made them “ear-resistible” and loved, some bigger cats aren’t as lucky. Africa’s white lions have a recessive gene that gives them their unusual pale color. They’re extremely rare and sought-after by trophy hunters.

#13 My Cat Looks Like A Lemur

#14 Judging My Life Choices. She Has a De Novo Mutation! She Was Born This Way

#15 Here's My Cat. He Has Thumbs