Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alps, France - In France, a passerby noticed an abandoned kitten begging for help on the street. At the vet, the full extent of the young animal's heartbreaking condition became apparent: the little cat already had to fight for its life shortly after birth!

On Facebook, the animal‑rights organization Cœur d'Ain Félin recounted the heartbreaking rescue of a kitten named Meskina, which began with a chance encounter on a road in the French region of Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes.

The baby cat approached a passerby and rubbed against her leg, apparently seeking help. Fortunately, the woman took pity on the tiny fur ball, which had apparently been separated from its mother.

Because its condition looked critical, the kind‑hearted woman handed the kitten over to the volunteers at Cœur d'Ain Félin, where it was immediately examined by a veterinarian.

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"Meskina is in a state of extreme malnutrition, weakened and suffering from a coriander disease," the team explained.

"Her appetite remains very limited despite the care and precious help from our veterinarian, who is trying to stimulate her with a suitable treatment."

What broke the caregivers' hearts most of all, however, was Meskina's stool – it was "made of cardboard and paper," as the post explained.

"At just 3 weeks old, this little soul probably tried to survive by swallowing everything she found."

Although the cat was really ill, she showed a strong fighting spirit.

After several anxious hours, her appetite finally returned and her body temperature normalized.

Gradually, the youngster was able to rest and recover. This would not have been possible without intensive care and medical treatment.

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When Meskina arrived, she weighed just eight ounces. Now, she tips the scales at nearly a pound.

Her rescuers go on to say that she has been promised she will never again suffer need or hunger. Instead, she will have a life filled with safety and love!