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4-eared cat Midas becomes Türkiye’s social media sensation

4-eared cat, Midas cat, Türkiye, rare feline, genetic mutation, heart-shaped fur, social media sensation, unique pet, viral cat, Instagram star A cat named Midas, born with four ears due to a genetic mutation in Ankara, stands out with its heart-shaped white fur on its body. (Photo via Instagram/midas_x24)
By Koray Erdogan
Jan 17, 2025 4:32 PM

A unique cat named Midas, born with 4 ears due to a rare genetic mutation, has captured the hearts of social media users worldwide. Living in Türkiye, Midas has amassed an impressive following of 340,000 people on social media, thanks to its unusual appearance and endearing personality.

4-eared cat Midas becomes Türkiye's social media sensation
A rare 4-eared cat named “Toots” from Ashtabula, Ohio, made headlines in 1938 when she gave birth to two kittens, “Punch” and “Judy,” who also developed extra ears about a month after birth. (Photo via The Belleville Telescope, September 15, 1938)

A rare feline phenomenon

Midas’ owner, Canis Dosemeci, shares the home with two cats, Midas and Gece. The rare feline stands out not only for its extra ears but also for a distinct white heart-shaped patch on its chest. “This is an extremely rare case. There have been only three or four recorded instances since the 1800s,” Dosemeci explained.

Despite its unique features, Midas has no hearing impairment. “It hears just as well as any other healthy cat. It has two ear canals but four external ear flaps,” Dosemeci said. The cat also has a slightly recessed lower jaw, which makes its tongue stick out, adding to its charm. “It does not affect its eating habits at all. Midas is perfectly healthy,” he added.

4-eared cat
A cat named Midas, born with four ears due to a genetic mutation in Ankara, stands out with its heart-shaped white fur on its body. (Photo via Instagram/midas_x24)

Playful and social companion

Midas was found in a friend’s garden, and its four ears immediately caught attention. “We were surprised when we saw it,” Dosemeci recalled. Since joining its new home, Midas has proven to be affectionate and playful. “It doesn’t hide from visitors; on the contrary, it tries to engage with them. It loves sitting on laps in the evenings and sleeps most of the day. It gets along well with Gece, and they play all the time,” he said.

The cat also has a distinct tail, which is shorter and has three natural bends. “At first, we thought this might affect its balance, but there have been no issues. Midas is agile and healthy,” Dosemeci assured. The heart-shaped fur on its chest is another captivating feature. “When it lies on its back, the heart shape becomes even more visible. People love taking pictures of it,” he said.

4-eared cat Midas becomes Türkiye's social media sensation
A cat named Midas, born with four ears due to a genetic mutation in Ankara, stands out with its heart-shaped white fur on its body. (Photo via Instagram/midas_x24)

4-eared cat Midas: A star beyond Türkiye

Midas has become a public sensation. “When I take it out in its special carrier, people recognize it and approach with curiosity. We’ve never encountered negative reactions. I don’t use a leash because other animals might attack or scare Midas, but when we sit down for a coffee, people always come over and greet us,” Dosemeci said.

Interestingly, most of Midas’ followers are from outside Türkiye. “We have very few Turkish followers. Most are from the United States, South America, and East Asia,” Dosemeci revealed.

4-eared cat Midas becomes Türkiye's social media sensation
A cat named Midas, born with four ears due to a genetic mutation in Ankara, stands out with its heart-shaped white fur on its body. (IHA Photo)

Experts weigh in on the rare mutation

Veterinarian Mert Daglikoc, who has 35 years of experience, has encountered only one similar case before. “It’s an anomaly. I saw a similar cat once before, but these additional ears are not functional. They are simply external structures,” he explained.

Midas continues to win hearts worldwide, proving that uniqueness can be truly captivating. As its online fame grows, this four-eared feline remains a lovable and cherished pet, living its best life in Türkiye.

Last Updated:  Jan 17, 2025 5:23 PM