Hello I'm Sugar!
I was born in rescue and told I wouldn't live past my first birthday, but I had other plans. My ribs and heart aren't where they're supposed to be, but I'm not in pain, and I've made it to four years (and counting!). I live with my humans Andy and Kirst, who spoil me rotten - as they should. I like being in charge, looking cute, and occassionally forgetting I need to catch my breath after a zoomie.
My Story
Sugar was born in our care, alongside her sister, Spice. Their mum, Luna - a feral cat we took in as part of our rescue work - gave birth safely, and both kittens were strong, feeding well, and gaining weight just as they should. Everything seemed perfectly normal at first.
But during Sugar's first vet check, something unusual was spotted: a dip in her chest wall, right between her ribs. She was diagnosed with pectus excavatum, a condition where the breastbone is sunken inward. The initial advice we were given was heartbreaking - we were told it would be kinder to put her to sleep.
But as always, we don't make rash decisions. We wanted to be absolutely sure that we explored every option available to give Sugar a chance at life.
We looked into treatment and consulted with specialists. There was hope - a brace surgery existed that could gradually correct her chest shape by pulling the sternum outward. We were prepared to go ahead, but first, Sugar needed detailed X-rays before her referral appointment.
That's when everything changed.
The imaging revealed a far more complex condition. Sugar didn't just have pectus excavatum - she also had missing ribs and a misplaced heart. These abnormalities made her ineligible for surgery. The prognosis was grim: she might only live 12 months, if we were lucky.
But Sugar was still a bright, happy kitten with no signs of pain or distress. So we brought her home and decided to let her live the life she had - however long it might be - surrounded by love, care, and comfort.
That was four years ago.
Today, Sugar lives with her devoted sanctuary family, Andy and Kirst. She's spoiled rotten, endlessly loved, and definitely the princess of the household. She's feisty, independent, and full of sass, always keeping the other cats in line.
Looking at her, you'd never guess anything was wrong. But during bursts of play, you can see subtle signs - she sometimes needs to pause to catch her breath. She's currently being monitored for possible feline asthma, but remains stable and full of personality.
Sugar's story reminds us that sometimes, the kindest thing isn't giving up - it's giving them a chance. And in Sugar's case, she's made the most of every single day.