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Kitten season brings flooding everywhere, but that was the case in more ways than one in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Thankfully, we also had a bit of luck in the form of an unusual kitten name: Audio.
Before we look at this rare kitten born with a genetic mutation, let’s consider what happened immediately before his arrival!
Kitten Floods/ Literal Floods Hit the “True Rescue”
True Rescue recently had to deal with a flood of kittens and puppies in need of help. In late July, torrential rains overnight caused a rare flood, followed by another the next night!
Some cats fled to higher cat towers, others were found sitting in water, which was up to ten centimeters deep in the deepest places.
Images and media via Facebook/TrueRescue
Fortunately, the more than 250 cats were safe and sound. However, the floods have brought rescue operations to a standstill during the busiest season. Due to the damage, the rescue teams have to pay a very expensive Drainage system and a foundation repair to boot! Fortunately, the community was alerted to the crisis through local news. In response, the community showered rescue workers with aid.
The overwhelming reaction of the population had “touched them deeply in a wonderful way,” the rescuers said.
“There was no fighting, no judging our building, no egos or big personalities and no discussions about religion or politics. There was nothing but love and support in the community, with mutual love for animals and people coming together and simply asking, ‘How can I help?’ We were always the rescuers saying ‘yes’ and ‘how can we help?’ and now to be on the other side and be the ones who need help was a real ‘give something away’ moment,” said Managing Director Amy Simcik.
The cats had their sights set on the scratching posts, which had to be replaced due to significant water damage.
A rare kitten named Audio with four ears
Against the wet backdrop of extreme flooding, the rescue operation took in a litter of four kittens, including an extremely rare kitten.
Images and media via Facebook/TrueRescue
When they took Audio out of the carrying case, they saw something shocking: inside his larger ears were two smaller, backward-facing ears!
Video about Facebook/TrueRescue
Such an unusual kitten needed a fitting name, so they chose Audio. In his average-sized ears there are two smaller ones that are turned backwards. In similar cases, the smaller ear flaps, called pinnae, are not functional. But sometimes they can be used with all four ears!
“Welcome to True Rescue, Audio, where love knows no boundaries!”
“EXTREMELY RARE so lend me your ears (giggle)! This kitten came to our shelter today with her 3 other siblings and has a rare genetic mutation as she was born with FOUR EARS! You heard me right (snort)! The last kitten we could find 4 ears on came from Turkey and was 2 years old,” shared True salvation.
Video from Good Morning America with audio of the kitten:
Audio is being cared for by a veterinarian who will keep his two extra ears unless it causes any health problems. Until then, he has brought a lot of happiness to the rescue organization just when they needed it most!
“That audio is coming at this time … really feels like a lucky charm,” said Kristin Condite, operations manager WGN9.
Thanks to audio, the rescue has been featured on national news again as they continue to recover from the storms. Incredibly, but to keep up with the flood of incoming kittens and puppies, they must out of to 150 to 200 animals every month!
You can follow and support True Rescue on Facebook, Instagram, Instagram, And their website.
Midas, the four-eared cat from Turkey
Aside from making audio’s extra ears harder to clean, hopefully they won’t cause any ongoing health problems. As we previously reported, a beautiful cat named Midas from Turkeywas also born with four ears and hears with all of them. Midas has an additional associated jaw defect, but otherwise she is doing well! We are happy that she recently celebrated her third birthday.
“Hellooo guys, today is my birthday 😻” Midas divided on July 14, 2024.
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