Sometimes looks can be deceiving. Some pets have genetic abnormalities that make them always appear to have a certain “mood.” Whether that’s really how they feel or not, the perpetually grumpy-looking Grumpy Cat is a famous example.
That’s the case for one cat, who is known as the saddest-looking cat in the world due to his drooping face. But despite his mournful appearance, he’s a happy cat with a good home.
This is Sushi:
Sushi was adopted in 2016 by his owner Larissa Yamaguchi when he was just a kitten, found on the street after reportedly being thrown into a street flood by a cruel owner.
Although his genetic condition was not known at the time, Larissa could see he had a “different face” but still fell in love.
“I knew right away I wanted him,” she told Daily Mail.
But over the years, Sushi’s condition became more apparent. Larissa spent four years diagnosing her cat. Sushi had a sensitive, droopy skin, but no vet or medicine could help.
“We thought he was just getting fat,” Larissa told Meow As Fluff. “Then we realized his whole body had stretchy skin.”
“He went through this big infection in 2018 that made him lose part of his neck skin,” she added. “It was scary… There were so many tests and medications. We had to go to the vet often because of the wounds.”
Finally, Larissa discovered last year that Sushi had a genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that can cause abnormally stretchy, sensitive skin.
The condition is so rare that it took years for a dermatologist to finally diagnose the cat. His owner says she was relieved to hear it wasn’t fatal. After the diagnosis, she helped Sushi manage the condition.
The cat needs regular hydration and wears a collar to protect him from scratching his skin.
Sushi is now five years old, a happy, content cat with a loving home, even though strangers think he looks “sad” because of his face.
“People say he looks sad all the time,” his owner says. “Some people get scared, some fall in love with his face at first sight, and some laugh at him.”
But Sushi is living his best life. Larissa hopes that her cat, who now has over 3,000 followers on Instagram, can shed light on this rare condition and show how beautiful even the saddest-looking cats can be.
“The problem is people don’t know what EDS is,” Larissa told Meow As Fluff. “Seeing a person or animal with it is very rare.”
What a unique, beautiful cat! We are so glad that Sushi has a loving home and an owner who helps care for his rare condition. Although he may not look like it, we know that Sushi is a happy cat.
Share this story if you love cats, no matter how they look!
