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 ofanimals. 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 there are those that areborn different, displaying unique characteristics that set them apart from the rest.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Gray cat with unique ear mutation sitting on a pet carrier in a room with boxes.

RELATED:

Cat with unique genetic mutations, heterochromia eyes, on a white blanket, showcasing distinct fur pattern.

White cat with unique genetic mutation, featuring distinct facial markings and expressions.

Animal rescueworkers 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,”saidKristin Condit, director of operations for the shelter.

Animal rescueworkers 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,”saidKristin Condit, director of operations for the shelter.

Dog with unique genetic mutations lying in grass, displaying mixed fur colors and patterns.

Fluffy kitten with unique eye color, showcasing genetic mutations.

Unique pet cat with striking orange eyes and dark fur, showcasing genetic mutations.

True Rescue staff introduced the “ear-resistible” kitten to the world via a Facebook post. Theyuploadeda 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 really stressed about how we would find the right applicant, and ultimately for his own safety and our own sanity, I’ve decided to adopt him,” True Rescue executive director Amy SimciktoldForbes. Audio has since become an ambassador animal for the shelter.

True Rescue staff introduced the “ear-resistible” kitten to the world via a Facebook post. Theyuploadeda 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 really stressed about how we would find the right applicant, and ultimately for his own safety and our own sanity, I’ve decided to adopt him,” True Rescue executive director Amy SimciktoldForbes. Audio has since become an ambassador animal for the shelter.

Kitten with unique genetic mutations, showcasing distinct facial features while resting on cozy blankets.

Cat with unique genetic mutations, featuring extra toes, sitting on wooden floor.

Cat with unique genetic mutations, including tufts of hair on ears, sitting in a planter.

Midas’ genetic mutation shot him to fame almost immediately. HisInstagramaccount 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.

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.

Four unique dogs showcasing genetic mutations, each with distinctive fur patterns and colors.

Two cats with unique genetic mutations, boasting distinct facial markings and patterns, sitting comfortably indoors.

Sleeping cat with unique genetic mutation, displaying extra toes, on a cozy blanket.

Dog with unique genetic mutation showing a distinctive facial structure on a gray couch.

Cat with unique genetic mutation, featuring dark fur and striped tail, walking on grass.

Cat with unique genetic mutation showing extra toes, lying on a blanket.

White lions went “technically extinct” for 12 years before they slowly started reemerging. Today, there are estimated to be only 13 in the wild. And a few hundred in captivity.Experts say white lions aren’t appropriately classified and remain at risk of being wiped out completely. Some are calling for the rarebig catsto be considered a “subspecies” so they can be better protected.

White lions went “technically extinct” for 12 years before they slowly started reemerging. Today, there are estimated to be only 13 in the wild. And a few hundred in captivity.

Experts say white lions aren’t appropriately classified and remain at risk of being wiped out completely. Some are calling for the rarebig catsto be considered a “subspecies” so they can be better protected.

Nora and her brother are now living their best life with me, like they deserve. Nora is the sweetest little girl and is definitely a crowd favourite 😍

Unique pet with genetic mutation pokes head out of a box labeled “A little box of joy” on grass.

A cat with unique genetic mutations, displaying a distinct facial appearance, looking up in a close-up shot.

Cat with unique fur pattern, showcasing genetic mutations, sitting by a window with a pink bowl, sunlight streaming in.

“Currently, there is no law nationally or internationally that protects the White Lions from being wiped off the face of the earth,“warnedThe Global White Lion Protection Trust.

Golden retriever with unique facial marking, showcasing genetic mutations in pets.

Black cat with unique genetic mutation sitting on a cat tree.

She was a rescue and we weren’t sure she was going to make it with the all of the issues she had. She is the best cat I’ve ever had, super tolerant, cuddly, a little wild, good with kids, maybe a little noisy. She also has the longest frickin tail I’ve ever seen on a cat to the point I feel like it’s abnormal. Anyone else have a cat with a tail like this?

Cat with genetic mutation walking in the snow, showcasing its unique tail.

While genetic mutations occur naturally in the wild, some breeders have come under fire for purposely creating “mutant”animals. In 2015, some South African breeders and ranchers made headlines for engineering wildlife for the sole purpose of trophy hunting.As Bloomberg reported back then, some of the rare animals created included “white lions with pale blue eyes, black impalas, white kudus, and coffee-colored springboks."“We breed them because they’re different,” ranch-owner Barry YorktoldBloomberg. “There’ll always be a premium paid for highly-adapted, unique, rare animals.”

While genetic mutations occur naturally in the wild, some breeders have come under fire for purposely creating “mutant”animals. In 2015, some South African breeders and ranchers made headlines for engineering wildlife for the sole purpose of trophy hunting.

As Bloomberg reported back then, some of the rare animals created included “white lions with pale blue eyes, black impalas, white kudus, and coffee-colored springboks.”

“We breed them because they’re different,” ranch-owner Barry YorktoldBloomberg. “There’ll always be a premium paid for highly-adapted, unique, rare animals.”

Fluffy cat with unique genetic mutation lying on a red blanket in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

Gray cat with unique genetic mutations lounging on a tiled floor in a cozy living room.

A fluffy white and gray cat with a unique genetic mutation, showcasing extra toes, inside a cage.

In 2024, an 80-year-old American rancher was caught engineering giant sheep to sell to hunting lodges. According to court documents, Arthur “Jack” Schubarth used the biological tissue of a large-breed Kyrgyzstan sheep to create a giant sheep hybrid.He had received the tissue from a hunter and carried out his illegal “breeding” in a lab before impregnating an ewe who would later birth a mutant giant sheep known as Montana Mountain King. That sheep then fathered others, who each carried a price tag of up to $10,000.

In 2024, an 80-year-old American rancher was caught engineering giant sheep to sell to hunting lodges. According to court documents, Arthur “Jack” Schubarth used the biological tissue of a large-breed Kyrgyzstan sheep to create a giant sheep hybrid.

He had received the tissue from a hunter and carried out his illegal “breeding” in a lab before impregnating an ewe who would later birth a mutant giant sheep known as Montana Mountain King. That sheep then fathered others, who each carried a price tag of up to $10,000.

Two-headed tortoise showcases unique genetic mutations in an indoor setting.

Close-up of a tabby cat with unique genetic mutations in its eyes on a carpet background.

Dog with genetic mutation, featuring heterochromia: one brown eye and one blue eye, against a pink background.

As the Guardian reported, Schubarth and at least fiveotherpeople were in cahoots from 2013. “Their goal was to garner high prices from hunting preserves where people shoot captive trophy gameanimalsfor a fee.“Schubarth pleaded guilty to wildlife trafficking and conspiracy to traffic wildlife. And was sentenced to 6 months in jail. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, a $4,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a $200 special assessment.“Mr. Schubarth’s actions not only violated multiple laws designed to protect wildlife, but also risked introducing diseases and compromising the genetic integrity of our wild sheep populations,” said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement.

As the Guardian reported, Schubarth and at least fiveotherpeople were in cahoots from 2013. “Their goal was to garner high prices from hunting preserves where people shoot captive trophy gameanimalsfor a fee.”

Schubarth pleaded guilty to wildlife trafficking and conspiracy to traffic wildlife. And was sentenced to 6 months in jail. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, a $4,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and a $200 special assessment.

“Mr. Schubarth’s actions not only violated multiple laws designed to protect wildlife, but also risked introducing diseases and compromising the genetic integrity of our wild sheep populations,” said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement.

Fluffy gray and white cat outdoors, showcasing unique pet genetic mutations with distinct eye patterns.

A hand holding a unique pet lizard with black scales, showcasing its genetic mutation in a natural setting.

Dog with unique genetic mutations, featuring a white coat and blue eyes, sitting indoors.

And I have to add here that I did not realize he was polydactyl until we got home - two extra toes on each front foot and one extra toe one his back left foot.

Black cat with extra toes on a bed, showcasing unique pet genetic mutations.

Tabby cat with unique ear genetic mutations on a textured surface.

Cat with unique genetic mutation, wide eyes, sitting on a patterned rug.

Cat with unique genetic mutation lounging on a black leather couch, sunlight filtering through blinds in the background.

Miso is currently diagnosed with dwarfism. He’s only 7 months old at 5.5lbs and will only grow wider. Thicc boy. He has shakes and tremors without any seizures, so we know there’s an underlying neurological issue. The vets have perform as many tests as they could and have now referred us to the local university for neurology treatment. He’s so sweet and we love him very much.

Cat with unique genetic mutations lying on a fluffy blanket, showcasing its distinct facial features.

Cat with a unique genetic mutation, showing an unusually long tail, sleeping on a textured white blanket.

Orange and white cat with unique genetic mutation relaxing on a bed and close-up of its face.

Kitten with unique genetic mutation, displaying a wide smile, lying on a colorful blanket in a cozy setting.

Black and white cat with unique heart-shaped nose pattern showcasing genetic mutation.

Dog with genetic mutation, having heterochromia with one red eye and one multicolored eye, laying on a blanket.

Smiling black dog with unique genetic mutation, showing its distinct facial features on a gravel background.

Cat with unique genetic mutation wearing a bow tie, wide eyes, standing on a blue blanket.

Hand holding a white rabbit with unique genetic mutation.

Adorable dog with striking blue eyes and unique genetic mutations, standing on a textured path outdoors.

Horse with unique genetic mutations, featuring unusual mane, standing in a grassy field.

Orange kitten with unique genetic mutations, showing extra toes on a paw.

Sleeping husky puppy on chair with a toy, representing unique pet genetic trait in a cozy room setting.

it was short when he was 2months, now it’s growing up, it’s cute, but is it a kind of cats or just a mix of other cats?

Black cat with unusual genetic mutation featuring tufted ears, lying on a bed next to a remote control.

Close-up of a dog’s eye showing unique genetic mutation with star-shaped pupil.

Polydactyl. Say Hello To Reznor. The (Almost) 17 Yo Polydactyl With Dwarfism And Funnel Chest

Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In

Close-up of a husky with unique markings, showcasing genetic mutations in pets.

He’s 5 weeks old!

Unique pet with genetic mutations, a kitten sleeping with paws raised, wrapped in a gray blanket.

Calico cat with unique genetic mutation pattern on a wooden floor, looking up.

He is a sweetheart and is everyone’s best friendHe’s a little scruffy right now lol

Gray and white cat with unique eyes, showing a genetic mutation while sitting and lying on a wooden porch.

This is Willie. He was born with his deformities and lives a happy healthy life. He’s been the love of my life for 12 years now. He is the smartest most snuggly one eyed snaggle snaggle-toothed teddy bear. The last pic is Willie as a kitten because aww.

Fluffy one-eyed cat with unique genetic mutation, lying on colorful bedding.

Hairless cat with muscular build in a patterned outfit, showcasing unique pet genetic mutation, drinking from tube.

Calf with unusual genetic mutation on its face, standing in a grassy field.

His sister is also adorable but man, those floppy ears justcrackme up. I have no reason to suspect he’s a Scottish fold since he obviously didn’t come from a breeder, I think he just happened to have the same genetic mutation that birthed the breed. Hope you all enjoy is cuteness as much as I do!

Kitten with unique genetic mutation and folded ears resting on a blanket.

See Also on Bored Panda

Dog with unique genetic mutation, featuring an unusual tail, sitting on a red floral bedspread.

Cat with unique genetic mutation, seen with a short tail, standing on a windowsill.

Close-up of a cat with unique teeth, showcasing a genetic mutation, gently held by a hand.

Golden retriever puppy with unique genetic mutation, sitting in a woven basket outdoors.

Close-up of a dog’s eye with a unique color variation, showcasing genetic mutations in pets.

Wet kitten with unique genetic mutations on carpet, TV in background.

Unique pet with genetic mutation wrapped in a blue and gray blanket, with a lion image in the background.

“Small dog with unique genetic mutation has unusually large ears, standing on a leash outdoors."

Pet with unique genetic mutation riding in a stroller on a grassy path.

Tabby cat with genetic mutation of extra toes, sitting on a colorful rug.

Leopard gecko with genetic mutation, featuring a unique translucent ear spot, sitting on a person’s arm indoors.

Two dogs with genetic mutations. One fluffy, one wearing a shirt, showcasing unique fur and size features indoors.

Hairless cat with distinct genetic mutations, featuring unique wrinkled skin, standing on a chair.

Cute puppy with unique folded ear genetic mutation, resting on a couch.

Rooster with unique genetic mutations, featuring an unusual dark comb and wattles, standing in a garden setting.

Orange tabby cat with unique genetic mutation, having unusually large ears, resting on a table.

Gray cat with unique genetic mutation, standing near a window beside a bowl of food.

Kitten with heterochromia wearing a sweater, showcasing unique pet genetic mutation.

Two cats with unique genetic mutations, lying together on a carpeted floor, showcasing their distinct traits.

We always thought he was a corgi mix, but after an orthopedic exam, the vet noted he has chrondodysplasia, AKA canine dwarfism! We can’t stop giggling about it. Despite his tiny legs, he’s healthy and full of spitfire. We love him and his unique look. Do any of you have a low rider too?

Black and white dog with genetic mutations, sitting inside a cozy home, showcasing unique features.

A rabbit with unique genetic mutations featuring blue eyes is sitting on green grass.

Cat with unique genetic mutation, showing heterochromia with one blue eye and one green eye.

Kitten with unique genetic mutations, featuring extra ears, resting on a blanket.

Dog with unique genetic mutation showing heterochromia, lying on a textured floor.

Hello, as the title says I’m thinking of adopting this cat, it is 4 moths old and was found abandoned! The owner says it is Albino! But I’m not sure, and I’m a bit scared that it is due to all the extra cares that they need! What do you think?

White cat with unique genetic mutations, featuring one blue eye and one brown eye, sitting in a pet carrier.

Orange tabby cat with unique genetic mutation, tongue out, next to a person’s leg in a cozy room setting.

Sleeping cat with unique genetic mutation of multiple toes, wrapped in a colorful blanket.

Albino hognose snake with unique genetic mutations in a container, viewed from above.

I’m a cat rescuer and Mini was part of a recent litter I cared for. Wound up keeping her as she is exhibiting all the signs of dwarfism. She’s almost 12 weeks old and the kitten in the photos with her is about 5 weeks. She has a brother and sister who are normal-sized. I think she’s the cutest! I know she may be prone to health issues which is why I’m keeping her but we love her!

Black and white kitten with unique genetic mutations sitting on a wooden floor.

Two white dogs with unique genetic mutations, displaying distinctive facial features and pink noses.

Smiling dog with a unique coat pattern showing genetic mutations, standing in a room on a carpet floor.

Horse with unique blue eyes behind a wooden fence, showcasing genetic mutations against a scenic mountain background.

A puppy with unique markings stands on a brick surface, showcasing genetic mutations in pets.

White cat with unique genetic mutation showing heterochromia, sitting on a patterned rug.

Two hairless kittens with unique genetic mutations resting on a soft blanket.

I’ve had my rescue boy for just over 2 years. I’ve had corgi owners stop me on walks saying, “omg they’re twins! Is he a corgi?” Always assumed he was a corgi Shiba Inu mix. Turns out he just has dwarfism!

Dog with genetic mutation, standing on a leash, wearing a harness, with buildings and a pond in the background.

Close-up of a dog with a unique genetic mutation featuring a split nose.

Cat with unique genetic mutations, nestled in a purple blanket, showing extra paw digits.

Dog with unique genetic mutations sitting on autumn leaves in a forest setting.

Dog with large ears on a chair, showcasing unique pets with genetic mutations.

Black and white kitten with unique genetic mutations snuggled next to Simba plush toy.

Kitten with unique genetic mutation showing mismatched fur pattern held in a hand.

Overweight dog with unique genetic mutations sitting indoors, smiling at the camera.

My friend’s dog gave birth to a puppy with two bodies. Apologies for the low resolution.

A newborn puppy with unique genetic mutations, showing extra limbs, being gently held in someone’s hand.

Doris came into our lives two years ago when she was 9. Hope those genes are strong enough to keep her around for another 5 years.Fun fact: the gene mutation that causes hairlessness is also tied to dentition. Via her original owner, Doris was born missing most of her teeth. That’s why her tongue is out!

Unique pet with genetic mutation, resting on a blue blanket, showing spotted skin and exposed tongue.

Cat paw with genetic mutation, displaying extra toe, gently held by a human finger.

Unique pet with striking blue eyes wrapped in a blue blanket, showcasing genetic mutations.

Black dog with a unique genetic mutation, sitting on grass next to a red frisbee, tongue out.

A unique pet with a genetic mutation, a white baby rabbit, held gently in a person’s hand.

Close-up of a cat with unique stripes, displaying genetic mutations, sitting indoors.

Cat with unique paws standing on grass, showcasing genetic mutations.

Close-up of a dog’s eye showcasing unique pet genetic mutations.

Hey everyone! We recently rescued a small american bully and since it’s our first experience with this breed, we’ve got a few questions and I’m hoping someone might be able to shed some light.What’s their play style generally like? I know every dog is different but based on our limited experience with our guy, he’s very chill but likes to play rough. He met a much taller dog the other day that wanted to play and our guy just kept bowling him over at the legs, lol. The other dog’s owner was not a fan at all.Our guy is almost 60lbs and 14”, he’s so freaking short but adorable. Seems to be a cross between a pocket and a standard? Or maybe has dwarfism?? Trying to find info is super confusing and maybe it doesn’t actually matter, I don’t know? I mostly care in case there are any specific health issues that go along with something like dwarfism, in the event that he even has that?Any recommendations for booties that fit? We’ve tried a few different ones so far but no luck.He’s so short that he can’t even do our stairs leading up to the 2nd floor where we sleep. We have to carry him and 60lbs gets heavy pretty quickly, especiallycos we have to bed so low to pick him up. Not sure if anyone has experience with this and found any good solutions to the stairs issue?TIA!

Brown dog with distinctive genetic mutations lying on a couch and on a kitchen floor.

Hey everyone! We recently rescued a small american bully and since it’s our first experience with this breed, we’ve got a few questions and I’m hoping someone might be able to shed some light.

Modal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal close

Add New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Add Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Add Your Photo To This List

Please use high-res photos without watermarks

Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Not your original work?Add source

Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Upload

UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.

TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark

InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark

FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

ChangeSourceTitle

Wholesome