Eyeless kitten rescued, adopted by Kerr County resident

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- A kitten born with a rare genetic defect is getting a second chance at life, courtesy a young Kerr County resident.

Kayson Stuckey and his mom reached out to Kerrville Pets Alive! after discovering a newborn kitten with "what appeared to be sunken eyes," KPA! officials said in a Thursday release. After veterinarians evaluated the kitten, they learned she was born without any eyes.

Instead of turning her over to a shelter, Kayson and his mom decided to keep the kitten, naming her "Claire." KPA! is funding surgery to stitch her eyes closed as she gets older, in an effort to help mitigate any bacteria or other materials from getting in her eye cavity.

“Stories like this involving youth and compassion truly power our drive to save lives and make a difference” a KPA! spokesperson said in the release.