Sphynx Kitten Branded ‘Unworthy’ Finds Someone Who Sees Her True Beauty

I’d like to tell you the uplifting story of Lucy, a sweet Sphynx kitten who has faced more than her fair share of challenges since the day she was born.
Lucy came into the world with a rare neurological condition, and sadly, not everyone saw past it. Some people even went so far as to call her scary or unattractive.
Heartbreakingly, kittens like Lucy are often put to sleep because of such conditions, and she came dangerously close to sharing that fate. But everything changed when a kind-hearted woman stepped in, determined to give Lucy the love, care, and happy life she truly deserved.

Lucy was born with a condition called hydrocephalus. According to Dr. Michael Kearley it “occurs when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, commonly referred to as ‘water on the brain.'”
As mentioned earlier, this condition is uncommon in cats. It can be present from birth or develop later due to a traumatic brain injury, infection, or even cancer.
Hydrocephalus can bring a host of health challenges and, in severe cases, may be life-threatening.
Out of the entire litter, Lucy was the only kitten born with it. Her owner, a Sphynx breeder, shared a photo of the kittens online with plans to sell them all—except for Lucy.
But when Zilla Bergamini, a close friend of the breeder, saw the picture, her attention went straight to Lucy, and she knew she wanted her.

Zilla was disappointed to learn that Lucy wasn’t for sale because of her condition.
Her friend explained that she had taken Lucy to the vet who, despite a possible surgical intervention, felt that it wasn’t worthwhile. For him, Lucy was unworthy of a chance at life.
Fortunately, Zilla saw things differently. She recognized a will to live in Lucy that she couldn’t ignore.
Determined, Zilla proposed a bold solution: She offered to adopt Lucy and take on the challenges of her condition herself. Her friend was thrilled at the suggestion.

Zilla then conducted thorough research on hydrocephalus and identified the top vet in her country who specialized in neurological conditions in cats.
She even initiated a fundraising campaign to cover any future surgeries and medications Lucy might need.
Already a seasoned pet parent to two rescue cats, Zilla understood the responsibilities of cat ownership well.
However, caring for a cat with special needs was a serious commitment, and she prepared diligently for Lucy’s arrival, eager to welcome her new family member.

Since day one of adopting Lucy, Zilla has faced numerous challenges.
These ranged from Lucy’s constant crying and the need for daily medicated eye drops, to severe digestive issues that fluctuated between no bowel movements for days to two weeks of incessant, leaky diarrhea.
Yet, these challenges only strengthened the bond between Zilla and Lucy. Zilla did everything to keep her new companion healthy, while Lucy demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Once Lucy’s digestive issues were managed, Zilla took her to a specialist to address her constantly watering eyes.
The specialist found that Lucy’s hydrocephalus had caused her skull to grow abnormally, irritating her corneas. Fortunately, the skilled vet managed to correct the issue, eliminating the need for daily eye drops.
From that point, Lucy’s health improved dramatically. She grew stronger and healthier each day, blossoming into a beautiful and joyful Sphynx cat under Zilla’s care.

Today, Lucy is an adventurous kitty who thrives despite her condition. Due to hydrocephalus, Zilla has to monitor her every move and ensure she doesn’t hurt her head even the slightest.
However, this doesn’t stop Lucy from enjoying life to the fullest. She loves bird watching, playing with her siblings, and spending time with Zilla’s friends.
She also loves to go on outdoor adventures – although enjoying it from the safety of her baby stroller.

Many who once saw Lucy as scary soon change their minds after meeting her and seeing her sweet, affectionate personality shine through.
If you’re interested in learning more about Lucy, check out her Instagram profile and YouTube channel where her adventures continue to inspire and delight her followers.