For Animals, a Queens-based TNR group, is taking in this kitten rescued from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. When Bella was trapped she was suffering from an infection which has been eating away the facial tissue to the point where cheek bone is exposed and the left side of the nose is sagging. Her left eye is also severly infected.
Bella is 4 months old and in need of socialization since she can't go back on the street after this. For Animals is seeking financial support for ongoing medical care and long term foster care for this kitten until she is ready for adoption.
2/3 Update: Bella's stitches did not hold and she had emergency surgery tonight. She was rolling around on the exam table purring and giving "happy paws" in the air, despite the pain she is in. The vet stitched her up from the inside out this time and said the tissue still looks healthy so it should hold. She's staying at the vet overnight and will be released tomorrow. On Saturday she will go to her new foster mom; we are very excited for these little ones to begin the next leg of their journey!
Tonight's surgery depleted all the funds we've raised for her so far so please keep sharing her fundraiser! She will need multiple follow up visits to the vet and there could be additional surgeries down the line as she heals and grows.
Thank you for your continued support!
2/1 Update: Here are some photos of Bella (formerly JC) and her sister Pom Pom. I held both of them tonight and Bella took all of one minute to begin purring; her sister was a bit tougher to crack taking a much longer 3 minutes :) These kittens are so thankful to be off the street! They do need some socialization but these sweet little girls will not be difficult.
There have been a lot of people offering to foster from far and wide but we really need someone local right now as Bella needs a follow up visit to the vet in the next week. We also need to get a better understanding of how her injury will affect her mouth and nose which are severely disfigured. Also, these kittens MUST be kept together. There is no turning back for Pom Pom now!
1/31 Update: Bella's prognosis is good -- she did not lose her eye and the wound is being stitched up. The aftercare should not be too complicated, just oral antibiotics which can be mixed in her food and monitoring for infection/problems with the stitches. She will need to go in for a checkup in a few weeks.
The vet did note some of her teeth are missing which appears to be caused by the same trauma that resulted in this injury. She is negative for FIV/FeLV and was spayed today. Her age is estimated at 4 months so she will need someone experienced with socialization.
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Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!