The 4- to 6-week-old kitten, now named Xena, was abandoned near a U-turn by the Walmart on Route 18 in East Brunswick on Sept. 3, according to New Beginnings Animal Rescue NJ.
The rescue said a Good Samaritan saw a car stop and watched as someone placed something in the grass before driving away.
The witness went to investigate and discovered the tiny kitten, then contacted the animal rescue for help.
Xena was taken for veterinary care, where she was found to have a broken hind leg with multiple fractures. Her leg has since been placed in a cast.
Because Xena is so young and still growing, the rescue says she will need continued veterinary care as her injuries heal.
She is now recovering in foster care.
New Beginnings Animal Rescue has also launched a medical fund to help cover Xena's ongoing treatment and veterinary expenses for other cats and kittens in its care.
The rescue has nicknamed her "Xena - Warrior Princess" and says that despite her difficult start, she is now safe and surrounded by people caring for her as she recovers.
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