Appearances can be misleading, especially when it comes to pets. Some animals have genetic mutations that make them resemble a specific emotion, regardless of their actual feelings. A prime example of this is the well-known Grumpy Cat, who always appears irritated.
One feline has gained notoriety for his gloomy expression, earning him the title of the “most sorrowful-looking cat” in the world. Nevertheless, Sushi is a content feline who enjoys a comfortable home. Larissa Yamaguchi adopted Sushi in 2016 after discovering him as a kitten on the street. It is believed that his former owner had thrown him into a flood before abandoning him.
Although Larissa didn’t know about his genetic condition initially, she noticed that Sushi had an uncommon appearance. Despite that, she fell in love with him instantly. “I was certain that he was the one,” she shared with Daily Mail. As time passed, his condition became more evident, and Larissa devoted four years to uncovering what was wrong with her furry friend. Sushi had sagging and delicate skin, yet none of the vets or medicines were able to alleviate his discomfort.
Larissa shared with Meow As Fluff that initially, they thought their cat Sushi was just gaining weight. However, upon closer inspection, they discovered that his skin was abnormally flexible all over his body. A frightening infection in 2018 resulted in the loss of some of Sushi’s neck skin, and he required numerous vet visits, tests, and medications to recover. After some time, Larissa learned that Sushi had a genetic condition known as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which can lead to unusually stretchy and sensitive skin due to issues with the connective tissue.
Sushi’s owner was happy to learn that her cat’s condition, which took years for a cat dermatologist to diagnose, wasn’t fatal. She has been helping Sushi manage the rare condition, which requires regular moisturizing and a protective collar to prevent scratching. Despite his unique appearance, Sushi is a happy and content five-year-old cat with a loving home. Although strangers may perceive him as “sad” due to his facial features, some find his appearance endearing while others are shocked or scared.
Larissa is proud of her cat Sushi, who has over 3,000 followers on Instagram and is living his best life despite having a rare condition called EDS. Larissa hopes that by sharing her cat’s story, people will become more aware of this condition and see how beautiful even the most sad-looking cats can be. According to Larissa, EDS is a rare condition that most people are not familiar with. Despite his condition, Sushi is a happy cat thanks to the love and care of his owner. Let’s celebrate all cats, regardless of their appearance, by sharing this heartwarming story.
