Sadly, Lucy was born with a rare neurological condition, leading some people to unfairly label her as frightening or unattractive.

In heartbreaking cases, kittens like Lucy are often euthanized. Lucy herself was almost a victim of this fate, but fortunately, a compassionate woman stepped in, giving her a second chance at a life full of love and care.

Lucy suffers from a condition known as hydrocephalus. According to Dr. Michael Kearley, hydrocephalus occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up in the brain, often referred to as “water on the brain.”

This condition is uncommon in cats and can be present from birth or develop due to injury, infection, or cancer. Hydrocephalus often leads to various health issues and can be life-threatening.

Among her litter, Lucy was the only one born with this condition. Her breeder initially intended to sell all the kittens except for Lucy, but her friend, Zilla Bergamini, couldn’t help but fall in love with Lucy.

Disappointed to hear that Lucy wasn’t for sale because of her condition, Zilla persisted. The breeder had consulted a vet who believed surgery wasn’t worthwhile, deeming Lucy unworthy of saving.

However, Zilla saw Lucy’s strong will to live and couldn’t ignore it. Determined, she offered to adopt Lucy, facing the challenges head-on.

Zilla conducted thorough research on hydrocephalus and located a top veterinary specialist in her country. She even started a fundraising campaign to cover any surgeries or treatments Lucy might need in the future.

Already experienced as a pet parent to two rescue cats, Zilla was well-prepared to care for a special-needs cat like Lucy and eagerly awaited her new family member.

Though some initially found Lucy scary or ugly, most people’s opinions changed after meeting her, discovering her sweet and affectionate personality.