Cats have now surpassed humans as a genetic mutation has left American feline Marino with opposable thumbs.
Though there may be a few other things aside from opposable thumbs separating humans and cats, Marino is one-of-a-kind tomcat.
Devin Hicks, 23, is the proud owner of Marino who, along with a genetic mutation, has F.I.V which is a lot like H.I.V for cats.
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Speaking to UNILAD, Devin said:
I was walking around the Portland humane society and I came across this large glass room that had a few different cats in there. Marino and I locked eyes pretty quickly. I then realized he had FIV and that was why he was in a special room.
I was hesitant at first because I wasn’t sure how much of a burden the FIV would be. But, after some one on one time with him, it became pretty clear he was the one. After petting him I got the instant purr, so I figured that was a good sign.
We had a pretty instant connection, and adopting him was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
He is also pretty different than most cats who couldn’t care less about the people around them. Marino wants to be best friends with everyone he is near. People always say they haven’t met a more friendly cat. He’s a pretty big flirt too.
Devin continued:
He does use his thumbs. If your scratching or petting him somewhere he doesn’t like, he will actually grab the persons hand and move it to his neck. He will also use them to get a pretty good grip on his cat toys.
A photo of Marino was posted on Reddit by Devin’s brother and he received a very warm reception.
With his own Instagram page now, hopefully the fame doesn’t go to his head.
