“Everyone was amazed.”
Just a few weeks ago, the Sacramento SPCA welcomed a tiny stray kitten who had been found wandering the streets alone. On arrival, the fragile little one tested positive for ringworm, a highly contagious skin condition. To protect both people and other cats, he was placed in temporary isolation until he could heal.
When the kitten finally recovered enough to leave quarantine, volunteers eagerly gathered to meet him properly for the very first time. At first glance, he seemed like any ordinary kitten — bright eyes, soft fur, playful spirit. But the moment he turned his head, the entire room gasped.
Behind his ears were two small flaps of skin covered in fur, and upon closer inspection, staff realized the incredible truth: this kitten had four ears.
“It didn’t take long for the news to spread — everyone was excited,” shared Sarah Varanini, communications manager at Sacramento SPCA.
The shelter team affectionately named him Quattro, the Italian word for “four.” His unusual appearance fascinated everyone. The extra ears, likely the result of a rare mutation, had never been thoroughly studied.
Some wondered if Quattro might have super-hearing powers, but the reality was more adorable than extraordinary. “The extra ears don’t connect to the ear canal,” Varanini explained. “They’re simply small flaps of fur-covered skin with no real function — except making him extra cute.”
Along with his bonus ears, Quattro also had a slightly narrower face and smaller eyes, features Varanini had noticed in other rare four-eared cats, suggesting a link to the same mutation.
When the SPCA shared Quattro’s story on social media, the little miracle kitten quickly went viral. “Who wouldn’t want to hear about a four-eared kitten?” Varanini laughed.
It wasn’t long before Quattro found his forever home. His new dad drove three hours to Sacramento and arrived just an hour after the shelter opened, eager to adopt the special kitten.
Though Varanini felt a pang of sadness as Quattro left, she was overjoyed knowing this unique little soul would be cherished. “I’m just grateful to have been part of his journey to finding a family who will love him for exactly who he is,” she said.
