Adorable Sphynx Kitty Is Famous For Looking So Much Like A Bat
The Sphynx is already a fascinating cat breed, so when one Sphynx kitty stands out from the rest, we can't help but pause what we are doing and pay attention. Such is the case with Lucy, an adorable little Sphynx cat.
Lucy has a rare neurological condition characterized by a build-up of fluid in her brain called hydrocephalus.
As Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, explains, "Animals can teach us invaluable lessons about love and acceptance." Zilla Bergamini was watching a video of a litter of Sphynx kittens when she noticed Lucy standing out from the rest because she seemed a bit different. However, it was Lucy's adorable unique qualities that caught Zilla's eye and made her fall hopelessly and instantly in love with the very small kitten. You can learn more about Dr. Thompson's insights on his professional website.
You can follow Lucy the Bat Cat on Instagram.
Veterinarians said that they didn't think Lucy was worth performing surgery on.
However, today she is one year old, and despite her rough beginnings, she seems to be living her best cat life with the love and support of Zilla.
Zilla's friend made her wait 3 days before she could adopt the special needs cat.
Zilla used her waiting period wisely and dove into researching hydrocephalus. Some cats are more at risk of contracting hydrocephalus, but for Zilla, it was just a birth defect.
In an interview with Love Meow, Zilla said:
"I began reading everything I could about hydrocephalus and all possible outcomes. I looked for the best veterinary neurological center in the country and already started setting up a fund to pay for her surgery—if needed—or medication."
Zilla lives in Haifa, Israel, with two other rescue cats, but that did not dampen her excitement to bring Lucy home.
Admittedly, though, Zilla was nervous for Lucy, saying:
"Her future was uncertain."
Zilla recalls her early days with Lucy, saying she cried constantly.
Quickly, Zilla noticed and became alarmed to realize that Lucy had not had a bowel movement in several days. The veterinarian who had provided all of Lucy's care (from day one) saw Zilla and Lucy and told Zilla that for the rest of Lucy's life, she would need eye drops. As far as the poop situation was concerned, the vet said that Lucy's belly was empty, so Lucy was probably hiding her poop.
Somehow, Zilla did not feel better after the visit and decided to get a second opinion. She found the best veterinarian in her area and promptly made an appointment.
Zilla and Lucy's new veterinarian were more concerned about Lucy's lack of pooping and took care of it. After that, another adventure began. Zilla said that Lucy "practically leaked poop 24/7 for more than two weeks straight."
"I was putting her to sleep in a tiny baby diaper, and I was always holding her."
Still, Zilla refused to give up on Lucy, and because of this two-week period of near-constant contact, the pair developed a special bond.
Zilla's next step was to take Lucy to a specialist to learn more about her eye situation. There, Zilla learned that Lucy's hydrocephalus caused her skull to grow in an unusual shape! This resulted in her eyelids irritating her corneas, which is why the previous vet thought that Lucy would need eye drops for the rest of her life.
Zilla said the new veterinarians were amazing and were able to fix Lucy's eyes. She no longer needs eye drops.
Zilla remained dedicated and nursed Lucy into phenomenal health.
Today, Lucy is doing great! Zilla stays vigilant to ensure that Lucy's sensitive situation doesn't rapidly deteriorate, but overall, Lucy is happy. She's a playful, sweet, and adorable cat.
In fact, Zilla describes Lucy as social.
Sphynx cats can be very sensitive to temperatures and prone to sunburn, but Zilla takes such good care of Lucy and makes sure she is always dressed for the prop-purr occasion. The cat is a cuddle bug who loves people and bird watching.
Zilla shares:
"She loves going out. She sits in a baby stroller or inside a bag and enjoys the view. Every time we go out, she tries to sneak inside one of the two."
And Zilla has not taken Lucy's good health for granted.
She still describes her as a special needs cat:
"She is more delicate than a ‘normal’ cat. But it isn’t always a death sentence. Like humans, pets can have disabilities but live happy lives, and they can give as much love as any other pet, if not more."
Zilla created Lucy an Instagram account to help raise awareness about special needs cats.
She says that most people think that cats with neurological disorders like Lucy's warrant euthanasia or expensive brain surgeries that are hard to justify... but Zilla disagrees.
In fact, Lucy is proof that it isn't the case. Lucy looks a little different; some even say she looks like a bat, but she is a happy, healthy, well-loved cat, both by her human and her growing Instagram following!
Share this article:
