PREVIEW

A kitten has been born with four ears thanks to a rare genetic mutation.

The cat, named Audio, was taken into True Rescue animal shelter in Mount Juliet, Tennessee last month with his three other siblings.

The shelter shared the unusual news in a Facebook post, which included several ear-related puns.

"EXTREMELY RARE so lend me your ears (snicker)! This kitten came into our shelter today with his 3 other siblings, and he has a rare genetic mutation having been born with FOUR EARS! You "heard" me right (snort)!" the rescue wrote on social media, alongside two photos of the young orange tabby.

The photos show the kitten's two extra - and smaller - ears, which appear inside the feline's more prominent ears.

Audio was just 8-9 weeks old when he was brought in to the rescue centre after being discovered with his litter mates in Nashville, Tennessee.

The photos and videos of Audio have garnered huge attention on Facebook, where animal lovers have flocked to the comments to express their delight.

'This is SOOO cool! I love genetic abnormalities, just fascinating. Glad he is doing well,' one user commented.

Another added: 'He's so precious! The ears remind me of Dobby, I think that would be a cute name for him.'

And one joked: 'Extra ears to ignore with.'