March 30, 2026
Fındık (Hazelnut): A Shivering Baby in the Cold
A Meow at -10°C
In mid-January, the nighttime temperature in Malatya had dropped to -10°C. A faint meowing sound coming from behind a trash container caught the attention of our volunteer on a night round.
What we found was heartbreaking: a tiny kitten small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Its fur was wet, its eyes were sealed shut, and its breathing was wheezy. Its color was hazelnut brown — that's how it got its name: Fındık.
When I picked Fındık up, it was ice cold. I placed it inside my jacket and ran back to the vehicle. Every second mattered.
Critical Days
The diagnosis at the veterinary clinic was serious:
- Severe respiratory infection
- Hypothermia — body temperature was dangerously low
The first 48 hours were spent in a heated box. It was fed with a bottle every hour. Antibiotic treatment was started. By the end of the second night, its fever had dropped, and it began to eat on its own — that was the turning point.
Recovery
After 10 days, Fındık had fully recovered. Its eyes were open, its fur fluffy and shiny. It was now leaving its box, eager to explore everything.
It was neutered and vaccinated and taken into our permanent care. Now it's a healthy, playful cat — its favorite game is chasing paper balls.
During winter, hundreds of kittens like Fındık struggle against the cold. Give them a warm chance.