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Tiny Kitten Refused to Leave His Mother After a Roadside Tragedy | The Animal Rescue Site


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One evening in Tunisia, while I was driving home, I almost didn’t see him.

I was returning from the small house I rent to shelter some of the cats I have rescued. It was already getting dark, and I was driving on a curved road. My glasses were broken at the time, so I was driving without them.

Tiny Kitten Refused to Leave His Mother After a Roadside Tragedy | The Animal Rescue Site

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

As I passed the curve, I thought I saw something on the side of the road. Maybe a cat, or two cats. I wasn’t sure.

I drove a few meters farther, but something didn’t feel right.

So I stopped the car and slowly reversed.

What I saw when I came back broke my heart.

Small orange kitten leaning over the edge of a pet carrier while a hand gently supports its chin in a car.

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

On the sidewalk lay a mother cat who had clearly been hit by a car. In Tunisia, stray animals are often victims of road accidents because many drivers go very fast, and there is little protection for animals.

Someone had moved her body from the road onto the sidewalk.

She was lying on her side with blood near her mouth. The accident had probably happened many hours earlier, maybe even more than a day before. Her body had already become stiff.

Next to her was a tiny kitten.

Thin orange cat with a shaved patch and IV port sitting on a metal examination table at a veterinary clinic.

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

He was pressed tightly against his mother.

The little kitten was dehydrated, weak, and clearly distressed. But he refused to leave her. He stayed beside her body as if waiting for her to wake up.

That kitten was Yahya.

I filmed the scene because it was heartbreaking. Then I slowly approached him. He was scared and confused, but very gentle. I placed some food near him and carefully picked him up.

He hesitated and looked back at his mother one last time.

Orange kitten sitting on a person’s shoulder inside a car, looking out the window.

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

Then I placed him in a small cage I had in my car and took him with me.

From that moment on, Yahya was safe.

A few days later, I took Yahya to the veterinarian for his first vaccine. Unfortunately, while he was at the clinic, he caught a virus, something that sometimes happens when many animals are treated in the same place.

Because he had already received his first vaccination, he had a chance.

Fluffy orange cat lying on the ground beside a shaggy white rescue dog, with text reading “yahya & his friend farfoucha (also a rescued dog).”

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

Still, Yahya became very sick and had to stay at the veterinary clinic for several days. For almost a week, I was afraid I might lose him too.

But Yahya was stronger than anyone expected.

He survived.

Today, Yahya has grown into a beautiful young cat. He is playful, affectionate, and full of life. He has even formed a sweet friendship with one of my rescued dogs, a small poodle named Farfoucha, who was also saved from the streets.

They play together and sometimes sleep side by side.

Like many of the animals I rescue, Yahya is now looking for a loving home. I have tried to find him a responsible adopter, but unfortunately this is another challenge in my country. The culture of adoption and respect for animals is still very limited, and it is often difficult to find people who are truly responsible and committed to caring for animals for life.

So for now, Yahya remains under my care.

Orange cat standing outdoors on dirt and grass with text overlay reading “yahya today march 2026.”

Photo: Ferchichi Olfa

I currently take care of many rescued animals, cats and dogs alike, including animals living in a house I rent for them and dogs that I place in boarding because I cannot keep them all with me.

The costs for food, veterinary care, and shelter are very high, and I receive very little local support.

Despite these difficulties, I continue because every rescued life matters.

If you would like to follow Yahya’s story and the other rescues, you can visit my rescue page here:

I also made a short video showing Yahya’s rescue and his life today:

For those who wish to help support the care of Yahya and the many other rescued animals, a fundraiser has been created here:

Every small act of kindness helps animals like Yahya survive and have a chance at a better life.

Yahya once stayed beside a road, waiting for a mother who would never wake up.

Today, he is alive, loved, and safe.

And that is why I will continue rescuing animals for as long as I can.

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Story submitted by Ferchichi Olfa.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!