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Did you know that the beautiful Scottish Fold felines have their distinctive folded ears due to natural dominant mutation in the Fd gene? Or that Manx cats, a breed originating from the Isle of Man, have a small stub instead of a tail due to a naturally occurring mutation?

Well, some of the genetic anomalies can result in very interesting differences in physical appearance. Just think of Instagram’s supawstars like Midas the cat taking the internet by storm with its four ears, or the deceased Grumpy Cat whose ‘grumpy appearance’ was due to underbite and feline dwarfism.

So this post is about the tricks of nature that resulted in unusual and occasionally even wholesome genetic surprises in the animal kingdom. After you’re done with this post, be sure to check out Bored Panda's previous feature about unique-looking pets!

#1

Meet Narnia, A Rare Two Faced Cat

Meet Narnia, A Rare Two Faced Cat

This blue-eyed kitten’s face was precisely divided into two halves: a gray half and a black half, and everyone was surprised when they first saw him.

amazingnarnia Report

#2

Zeus The German Shepherd Dog With Dwarfism

Zeus The German Shepherd Dog With Dwarfism

zeus_the_dwarf_gsd Report

There’s no definite answer to how common genetic abnormalities are in cats and other pets, the pet health and well-being expert Yulia Popyk from Petcube told Bored Panda, as it can vary greatly depending on the specific genetic abnormality and the population of cats being considered. “However, some estimates suggest that around 3-5% of all cats may be affected by a genetic abnormality. There are a variety of different factors that can contribute to the development of genetic abnormalities, including exposure to environmental toxins, dietary deficiencies, and mutations,” Yulia said.

#4

This Stunning Cat With Striking Two Coloured Eyes Due To A Rare Genetic Condition

This Stunning Cat With Striking Two Coloured Eyes Due To A Rare Genetic Condition

oddity_olive Report

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Riley Warrick
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is super cool! I've always been fascinated by eye colors. I can't see people's eye colors. So I like to look at pictures like this.

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#5

Rainbow Reticulated Python. Just Another Reminder That There Are So Many Beautiful Things In This World That Are Underappreciated - Including Snakes

Rainbow Reticulated Python. Just Another Reminder That There Are So Many Beautiful Things In This World That Are Underappreciated - Including Snakes

thereptilezoo , thereptilezoo Report

#6

This Is Fanny. She Has A Rare Skin Condition Called Vitiligo, Causing Her Hair To Depigment

This Is Fanny. She Has A Rare Skin Condition Called Vitiligo, Causing Her Hair To Depigment

fannyasfresh , RyansVlogs Report

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Petcube’s pet health expert said that some genetic abnormalities that have been reported in cats include congenital defects of the heart, kidneys, and eyes, among others. “While the exact cause of these abnormalities is not always clear, they are believed to be the result of inbreeding or other genetic factors.”

If you believe that your cat might be born with an abnormality that will critically influence their life, well-being, and health, it would be a good idea to consider subscribing to the emergency vet fund. “The service is basically an untraditional pet insurance product, which provides a direct payment to your vet clinic in a pet’s life-threatening emergency. Moreover, Emergency Fund covers any immediate medical issues which might occur to your cat due to genetic abnormalities,” Yulia said.

#7

Holy Toebeans Big Foot

Holy Toebeans Big Foot

Pirate_Redbeard Report

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Pjerrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would Love every single litlle Beanietoe😍😍😍😍

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#9

I Foster With My Local Shelter And Received A Litter With One Kitten Who Has Dwarfism. She's Half The Size Of Her Littermates. Highly Criminal. Just Dastardly

I Foster With My Local Shelter And Received A Litter With One Kitten Who Has Dwarfism. She's Half The Size Of Her Littermates. Highly Criminal. Just Dastardly

Yvaika Report

There are many mutations that are specific to particular breeds. “For example, the gene for short coat length is found only in certain breeds of dogs, such as poodles and Bichon Frises. Other examples include the genes for blue or green eyes, which are found in certain breeds of dogs, such as Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, and Australian cattle dogs. The cocker spaniel breed is prone to a genetic mutation that causes a form of deafness.”

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Yulia also said that “the blue coat color in Russian blue cats is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes the protein melanophilin. This mutation is found only in Russian blue cats and is not found in any other breeds.”

#10

Feel Free To Boop Or High Five The Snoot

Feel Free To Boop Or High Five The Snoot

dog_rates Report

#12

My Cat Has A Genetic Mutation That Makes Her Eyes Weird, Her Sight Is Perfect

My Cat Has A Genetic Mutation That Makes Her Eyes Weird, Her Sight Is Perfect

ViVilma Report

Moreover, “The mutation that causes the Siamese cat’s characteristic blue eyes is only found in that breed. The mutation that causes the hairless trait in Chinese crested dogs is relatively common in that breed but is very rare in other breeds. Other examples include the Manx cat’s taillessness, the Scottish fold’s folded ears, and the sphynx’s hairlessness,” Yulia told us and added that mutation largely depends on the specific genetics of each individual breed.

#13

My Girl Has Vitiligo. She Was Solid Black When We Got Her, And Every Year She Gets A Few More Spots

My Girl Has Vitiligo. She Was Solid Black When We Got Her, And Every Year She Gets A Few More Spots

Polywordsoup Report

#14

Frankie, One-Eyed Kitty With Four Ears Finds A Foster Home

Frankie, One-Eyed Kitty With Four Ears Finds A Foster Home

frank_n_kitten , frank_n_kitten Report

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Knoxy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those eyes look like they have seen to much. Such sadness

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naw, I won’t foster Frankie, I’ll adopt the little one-eyed-four-eared pixie.

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Pjerrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I didn’t live in Denmark I would have him!!!! Way to Cute!!!!♥️

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Jackie Johnson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Check out his instagram link under the bottom corner of his photos. He is grown up now and he has a person who loves him so much they got a tattoo of him! 💓

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Amy Stone-Chandler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There have been several 4 eared cats appear recently. Most young. I'm interested in knowing if there is any environmental similarities or location to them. Also wondering if any more animals have been seen like deer, rabbits etc.

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Lynn Naude
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a special kitty. Frankie you too need a special loving family ❤️ I could take you too.

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#15

Dexter And His Abnormally Long Tail

Dexter And His Abnormally Long Tail

jubileesoph Report

Meanwhile, some mutations are more common in certain breeds than others. “For example, the dachshund breed is known for its short legs, which is caused by a mutation in the genes that control limb development. The dachshund-specific mutation called intervertebral disc disease is a condition that affects the discs between the vertebrae. This can cause pain, paralysis, and even death in affected dogs. Other breeds have mutations that cause them to have unique coat colors or patterns, such as the brindle coat of the Staffordshire bull terrier,” Yulia explained.

#16

People Always Tell Me My Cat Has The Most Beautiful Eyes

People Always Tell Me My Cat Has The Most Beautiful Eyes

myhightide Report

#17

Found This Bunny With Unique Markings- Wanted You To Know That You’re Unique. You’re Loved. Just Like This Bun

Found This Bunny With Unique Markings- Wanted You To Know That You’re Unique. You’re Loved. Just Like This Bun

rkprado_ Report

#18

Meet Pixel, My Beautiful Kitten With Heterochromia

Meet Pixel, My Beautiful Kitten With Heterochromia

MayaKitsu Report

#19

Rowdy Met A New Friend Today. This Is Marcus And He Has Such A Great Attitude About His Vitiligo. He Thinks It's Pretty Cool

Rowdy Met A New Friend Today. This Is Marcus And He Has Such A Great Attitude About His Vitiligo. He Thinks It's Pretty Cool

white_eyed_rowdy Report

#20

I Am A Little Tiger... Vitiligo

I Am A Little Tiger... Vitiligo

elli.vitiligo , elli.vitiligo Report

#21

I Saw An Adult German Shepherd That's Diagnosed With Dwarfism Today And It's The Cutest Thing I Saw All Year

I Saw An Adult German Shepherd That's Diagnosed With Dwarfism Today And It's The Cutest Thing I Saw All Year

Hebahx Report

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#22

I Was Told My New Rescue Pup Has The Rarest Of Ears

I Was Told My New Rescue Pup Has The Rarest Of Ears

flytingnotfighting Report

#23

Elli Was Born With Tuxedo Markings And Turned Almost Completely White In Three Years Due To Vitiligo

Elli Was Born With Tuxedo Markings And Turned Almost Completely White In Three Years Due To Vitiligo

RespectMyAuthoriteh Report

#24

New Housemate Has More Thumbs Than I Was Expecting

New Housemate Has More Thumbs Than I Was Expecting

Veggie_Therapy Report

#25

A Golden Retriever With A Rare Black Patch On Its Face

A Golden Retriever With A Rare Black Patch On Its Face

mister.enzoviola Report

#27

House Cat Suffering From Myostatin-Related Muscle Hypertrophy - A Rare Condition That Causes Muscles To Grow Excessively Large

House Cat Suffering From Myostatin-Related Muscle Hypertrophy - A Rare Condition That Causes Muscles To Grow Excessively Large

bsmith2123 Report

#28

Frankie Was The Only One In A Litter Of Sixteen That Was Born With A Limb Difference

Frankie Was The Only One In A Litter Of Sixteen That Was Born With A Limb Difference

nessie_mcnubs Report

#30

Meet Avgust, The Extraterrestrial Albino Dog From Moscow, Russia

Meet Avgust, The Extraterrestrial Albino Dog From Moscow, Russia

keerio_ Report

#31

Did Anyone Say Dalmatian Pied? Hands-Down One Of The Most Unique Pieds I’ve Ever Seen

Did Anyone Say Dalmatian Pied? Hands-Down One Of The Most Unique Pieds I’ve Ever Seen

thepythonpit Report

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#34

My Cat Pickles. He Was Born Without An Ear

My Cat Pickles. He Was Born Without An Ear

joerommel_ Report

#37

Bernese Mountain Dog With Vitiligo

Bernese Mountain Dog With Vitiligo

siegfriedthedog Report

#38

Astrex Bunnies. A Rare Rex Fur Mutation, Have Curly Coats. Little Sheep Bunnies

Astrex Bunnies. A Rare Rex Fur Mutation, Have Curly Coats. Little Sheep Bunnies

The_Last_Minority Report

#40

This Cat That Lives At The Parking Lot At My Job Has Extra Toes

This Cat That Lives At The Parking Lot At My Job Has Extra Toes

neon_noire Report

#41

Local Pet Rescue/Shelter Had Someone Drop Off A Male Kitten That Was Born With 2 Faces

Local Pet Rescue/Shelter Had Someone Drop Off A Male Kitten That Was Born With 2 Faces

kcpetproject Report

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#42

This Rottweiler With Vitiligo Is Gorgeous

This Rottweiler With Vitiligo Is Gorgeous

fireysaje Report

#43

This Is A Ghoulish Creature. I Recently Learned That She Is A Lykoi Cat. It's A Rare Natural Mutation. She's Extremely Vocal And Affectionate

This Is A Ghoulish Creature. I Recently Learned That She Is A Lykoi Cat. It's A Rare Natural Mutation. She's Extremely Vocal And Affectionate

EtherealEffigy Report

#44

Please Do Not Support Unethical Doberman Breeders Who Purposely Create Dogs Affected With Albinism. Too Many Health Issues Plague These Sensitive Canines As They Age

Please Do Not Support Unethical Doberman Breeders Who Purposely Create Dogs Affected With Albinism. Too Many Health Issues Plague These Sensitive Canines As They Age

amyeiler Report

#45

A Cat With Two Functional Noses That Came To The Clinic I Work At

A Cat With Two Functional Noses That Came To The Clinic I Work At

theyenyen Report

#46

This Is Jinx - He Was Born With One Ear

This Is Jinx - He Was Born With One Ear

NinjaFiasco Report

#47

Ranger Is A Fully Grown German Shepherd With Dwarfism

Ranger Is A Fully Grown German Shepherd With Dwarfism

ranger_thegshepherd Report

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Pjerrot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll have U too!!! Come here,Fluffy!! I’m completly in LUUUUUUUVVVVV♥️♥️♥️

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#48

This Is Dino. He Has Dwarfism. He’s A Very Small Boy

This Is Dino. He Has Dwarfism. He’s A Very Small Boy

dogememes_dinoruby Report

#50

These Boys Have A Rare Genetic Condition And Just Got To The Us From PR And Clearly They’re Happy To Be Here

These Boys Have A Rare Genetic Condition And Just Got To The Us From PR And Clearly They’re Happy To Be Here

SideRepresentative38 Report

Note: this post originally had 124 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.