The tale of Bella the kitten who had been born with deformed paws and then abandoned, has a happy ending thanks to public appeal to raise the cash to pay for her veterinary care.

Bella was only six weeks old when she was found scared, cold, weak and malnourished in a garden. She was taken in by the Falmouth, Helston and District branch of Cats Protection and a volunteer fosterer provided the care she needed.

The branch was told that Bella had a heart murmur, was full of worms and fleas and almost died. She then caught cat flu and it later became clear she had a problem with her paws which would require surgery at a cost of at least £500.

The branch quickly set about raising the cash. “The response has been fantastic,” said Kate Wills, who is both a volunteer fosterer and fundraiser with the branch. “It is so important to us that Bella receives the operations. We have been advised that her heart murmur is likely to shorten her life and so we want her to enjoy it as much as she can, whilst she can.”

Bella had her first operation in March, followed by a three-week recovery period, before having a second operation on her other foot.

Katie Zaccardelli, who has adopted Bella, says: “It was love at first sight. Bella is an absolute delight and I am thrilled to have adopted her. She is currently eating well and receiving lots of much needed love and cuddles during her recovery. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped Bella get through her rocky start and for all those who donated to Cats Protection to support her care. I am looking forward to seeing her running about, pain free and having fun.

The branch is still fundraising to help cover the costs of Bella’s treatment and any further money donated after it reaches its target will go towards caring for other cats in need.