A kitten has had to have its eye removed by an animal charity after suffering serious damage.

Four-month-old Kiki arrived at Cats Protection's Bredhurst adoption centre after her previous owners realised they could no longer cope with her welfare needs.

Deputy manager Stacey Faram said: "We took Kiki to our treatment room for a better look and were genuinely shocked to see the condition of her left eye. It was extremely swollen and almost popping out of the socket. She also had issues with her right eye.

"Vets said she would have been in agony and it is likely the pressure would have caused migraines.

"She was obviously in a great deal of discomfort but she just wanted to be held and comforted."

The Cornish Rex had late stage glaucoma and also needed an operation on her right eye as her lashes had turned inwards and were scratching the surface of her eyeball.

Following the ordeal, Kiki is said to be a totally different cat and full of affection and cuddles.

Stacey added: "It must have been such a relief for her after being in such distress. Kiki is the most incredible little cat. She totally stole the hearts of everybody who met her."

The young kitten was put up for adoption with the charity making sure her new owners would be able to care for her and were experienced due to her breed's special grooming needs.

Thalia Kemp, 26, and her partner Callum Carr, 25, from Gillingham, rehomed Kiki a week later.

Thalia said: "Kiki is settling in really well. She makes up for her small size with a big personality and is already bossing our other cats about. She especially likes her shark bed but she has had to learn to share because one of our Sphynx cats loves it too.

"I have always loved cats and particularly unusual breeds. Even more so, I am drawn to those cats who might be a bit different, need a special attention, so Kiki really is the perfect cat for us.

"She has completed our little family."

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