After stumbling upon a video of a litter of Sphynx kittens from her cat breeder friend, Zilla Bergamini immediately took a liking to one that stood out from the rest. “It was love at first sight,” Zilla recalls, prompting her to inquire about the special kitten. However, her friend informed her that the kitten was unwell and not up for sale.
Zilla found out that her friend had brought the kitten to a vet, where she was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a condition causing fluid build-up in the brain. According to Zilla, the vet mentioned that some surgeons would consider operating, but he didn’t see it as necessary. Zilla offered to adopt the kitten with special needs, and her friend was overjoyed by the idea!
Zilla had to patiently wait for three days before she could finally bring home the adorable young cat she named Lucy. In the meantime, she delved into extensive research about hydrocephalus and made sure she was fully prepared for Lucy’s arrival. “I spent hours reading up on hydrocephalus and its various outcomes, searched for the top neurological veterinary center in the country, and even started a fund in case surgery or medication was needed,” Zilla shared.
The photo posted by lucythebatcat on Instagram shows Lucy, a two-month-old kitten who arrived in Haifa, Israel in March 2019 to her new home. Zilla, who already had two rescued cats, felt a mix of excitement and nervousness about caring for a kitten with hydrocephalus, a serious neurological condition. Despite the uncertainty about Lucy’s future, Zilla knew she was loved before coming to her new home.
Lucy’s new owner, Zilla, was prepared for the responsibility of giving her medicated eye drops to treat her since birth, but she worried when the kitten cried non-stop during her first days at her new home. Zilla also became concerned when three days went by and Lucy hadn’t passed any stool.
Zilla brought her new kitten to the vet who had been caring for her since birth, hoping to find out why Lucy was experiencing certain health issues. She inquired about Lucy’s teary eyes and constant need for eye drops. The vet mentioned that Lucy would require eye drops for the rest of her life. Concerned about Lucy’s lack of bowel movements, Zilla sought another veterinarian for a second opinion after two days without any progress.
According to a post by lucythebatcat on Instagram, Lucy had not relieved herself for days before being seen by a new vet. However, after receiving treatment, she experienced constant bowel movements for over two weeks. Zilla, Lucy’s owner, had to continuously care for her, even putting her in a small baby diaper to manage the situation.
Zilla and Lucy built a strong bond despite the tough situation, and the little kitten started responding to her name and stayed cheerful. Once Zilla tackled Lucy’s digestive issues, she took her to a specialist to address her eye problems. Lucy’s unique skull shape, caused by hydrocephalus, was irritating her corneas. With the help of a skilled veterinarian eye doctor, Lucy’s eyes were saved, and she no longer requires eye drops, much to Zilla’s relief.
The cute kitty, Lucy, is doing well despite having hydrocephalus. Zilla, her owner, keeps a close eye on her to ensure she receives prompt medical care even from minor head bumps. Despite this challenge, Lucy still finds joy in life, especially when she gets to watch the ocean and birds through the windows in Zilla’s house.
Lucythebatcat, as seen on Instagram, adores socializing and relishes embarking on adventures with her loved ones. Zilla, her owner, shares, “She thrives on outings, whether perched in a baby stroller or tucked inside a bag, taking in the scenery. Lucy always tries to stow away on our excursions!”
On Lucy’s Instagram account maintained by Zilla, it is evident that Lucy lives a happy life despite having hydrocephalus. Many people mistakenly believe that cats with hydrocephalus require expensive brain surgeries, leading some to consider euthanasia if they cannot afford the treatment. However, Lucy proves that this is not always the case, although she does require more medical care than the average cat. Zilla explains that every little issue can be a big concern for Lucy because she is more fragile than a “normal” cat, but having hydrocephalus does not necessarily mean a death sentence. Zilla has also encountered people who assume that Lucy must be suffering or in pain due to her unique appearance, or who believe she is unattractive because of her condition. Some individuals view Lucy’s differently shaped skull and unusual eyes as reasons to reject her as a pet. Despite this, one of Lucy’s biggest fans admitted to Zilla that she initially had negative thoughts about Lucy when she first saw her.
After hearing Lucy’s story, Zilla had a change of heart and now wants to spread awareness about pets with disabilities. Zilla believes that by sharing Lucy’s background with a larger audience, more people will realize that animals with disabilities can still live happy lives and bring just as much love, if not more, than other pets. Just like humans, animals have the ability to thrive despite their challenges.
The photo shared by lucythebatcat on Instagram showcases a special connection that Zilla has with her cats, especially with Lucy. Despite the challenges they face, such as post-traumatic stress disorder from past experiences, Zilla considers her feline companions as essential members of the family. “All my cats have their own stories of being misfits or survivors, but they are loved and cherished,” Zilla explains, highlighting the strong bond she shares with Lucy and the rest of her furry family members.
Check out this adorable kitten by following Lucy on Instagram at @lucythebatcat and discover more about this lovely feline.
