Shelter works to save kitten found on roadside

NEW PORT RICHEY (FOX 13) - Belissima the kitten is a sweet little girl, in spite of being found on the side of the road with a severe infection on her right eye. 

The four week old kitten was brought to SPCA Suncoast after someone found her on Pennsylvania Avenue in New Port Richey.

Shelter staff said she is suffering from a proptosis, or protrusion, of the right eye. The exact cause of the protrusion is unknown, but it's likely related to trauma or an infection. SPCA Suncoast said Bellissima needs antibiotics, pain management and surgery for an eye enucleation.

"In situations like these, we often rush to help, to alleviate any discomfort and help an animal in need, and worry about costs later," SPCA Suncoast's Executive Director Kerrianne Farrow said. "We don’t know what exactly happened to Bellissima, but we are just happy that she made it us in time to get extensive treatment needed."

SPCA Suncoast operates on donations from the community. It set up a GoFundMe page for anyone interested in helping with Bellissima's care. Visit gofundme.com/2km9w9bg for more information.