Tiny kitten the size of a Mars Bar needs your help to survive

Freddo the kitten has had a rocky start to life.

He’s the sole survivor of his siblings, who died as the result of a major flea infestation.

Being feasted on by fleas not only left Freddo without his brothers and sisters, but severely emaciated and dehydrated.

Thankfully, he was taken in by Gables Dogs and Cats Home, in Devon, who were able to help the cat – but they need your help to ensure little Freddo survives and thrives.

The charity was contacted by a vet, who asked if they would take the kitten into their care to try to save his life.

He had received treatment for fleas, but still had over 100 bugs on him when he arrived at the shelter.

Gables’ general manager, Claire Sparkes, volunteered to take the animal – who weighed less than a two-week-old kitten despite being five weeks of age – home for round-the-clock care, starting by spending hours picking fleas out of his scrawny body.

He was fed specialist kitten milk every hour, all through the night, but even with this intervention, Freddo remained at a dangerously low weight.

All this means that the kitten is still very much at risk – although the charity are hopeful that he will survive.

Now, Gables is asking for donations toward the estimated £600 needed for Freddo’s care.

Claire said: ‘When we were approached to help fun-sized Freddo we just had to give him the best possible chance at life.

‘We are determined to help him recover and gain weight so he can go on to live a happy and healthy life.

‘We would be so grateful for any help that our fantastic supporters can give towards the cost of his treatment and care.’