'We had to make him part of our family': An injured orange cat named Nemo found shelter and safety at a construction site and gained a safe, happy home with a new furmily

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Sarah Brown • Writer and Editor
Jan 12, 2026 6:00 PM EST

Sometimes the right door opens at exactly the right moment. This little guy found his way into a construction house, worn out from a long stretch outside and clearly running out of options. With an old injury that had fused one of his hind legs and an empty belly, he wasn't just looking for shelter, he was looking for help. Somehow, he picked the perfect place.

It didn't take long to see that Nemo had once been someone's pet. He knew how to use a litter box, avoided scratching where he shouldn't, and melted into laps like it was second nature. He trusted people right away, even becoming an instant cuddle buddy for a toddler, which says everything about his gentle nature. It's hard not to wonder how a cat like that ended up on his own, especially after an injury that clearly went untreated.

When the full extent of his leg injury became clear, a difficult but loving decision was made. The damaged leg had to be removed, but instead of slowing him down, it unlocked a whole new level of confidence. Nemo adapted quickly, proving that three legs are more than enough when you've got determination and curiosity to spare.

Now, Nemo zooms through the house, climbs things he absolutely should not be climbing, and lives every day like he's making up for lost time. His journey from injured stray to joyful house cat is a reminder of how resilient animals can be when given safety, patience, and love. Nemo didn't just find a home, he found a fresh start, and he's thriving in it.

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  • 01
    This lil guy hobbled his way into one of the new construction homes at my work, looking for shelter after a LONG period outside. One of his hind legs had an old break that was fused at
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    Cheezburger Image 10595775488
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    the joint, so he was having a hard time getting around, and he was starving. While he wasn't exactly being picky, I would like to think he wandered into that house looking for someone like me to take him home!
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    Smartyka
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    I originally took him to a vet, who I know works with a local shelter, but after we realized how bad his leg was and the likelihood of him surviving in the shelter system, we had to make him part of our
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    Cheezburger Image 10595774976
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    family instead. He was obviously someone's pet before...he is potty trained, doesn't scratch things he's not supposed to, was immediately a lap-cat for my toddler, let all of us handle and
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    Cheezburger Image 10595774720
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    care for him, and is cuddly as all hell, etc. I fear someone dumped him when his leg broke and they didn't want to foot the vet bill to have it fixed
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  • 10
    REESE RESE RED KING LIVE). Choice. aaranteed 70038 61087 BALL
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  • 11
    Because the joint fused and his nerves were dead, the leg had to be removed. It hasn't slowed him down at all, though! In fact, he is now Tokyo drifting around the house and climbing everything he has no business attempting to summit, lol.
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    Cheezburger Image 10595774464
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    Please enjoy this chronological collection of our sweetheart of a new friend, Nemo, who is getting stronger by the day and living his new life
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  • 14
    Suspicious_Name... Just love this. His orange self is now firmly attached to his new hoomans. May the shenanigans begin, as they always will with orange kitties
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  • Being a tripod cat is absolutely not going to stop his orange cat activities. If anything, it might make them more impressive. Missing a leg just means he’s found new, creative ways to cause mischief. The zoomies are faster, the climbs are bolder, and the chaos is fully scheduled. Everyone should prepare accordingly, because this little guy is clearly just getting started.

  • 15
    justagiraffe111 Gorgeous good boi. He has such a sweet face. I can see why you fell in love so fast. He has a special soul
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    Neither-Welder50... So mighty handsome
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  • 17
    AnironSidh Omg he's so incredibly orange
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  • 18
    carbonfluorinebond Awww, sweet kitty! Thank you for saving him. :)
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    WeDepressed Music Oh he is so precious I just love his sweet little face I'm glad he found you
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  • Nemo is incredibly lucky to have found such a loving family. They saw past the injury and straight to the sweet, trusting cat he is, and that makes all the difference. Not every animal gets a second chance like this, but he clearly landed exactly where he was meant to be. It’s heartwarming to see how safe, happy, and loved he is now.

  • 20
    timid_turtle_ Awww Nemo is lucky to have found you as a furever family.
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  • 21
    Consistent-Stora... He might be the most orange boi I've ever seen!! So glad you both found each other, Nemo is obviously so well loved and giving it all right back
    via Consistent-Storage90
  • 22
    Mysterious_Chec... A badass, a good houseguest and a childs. companion. What a win for everybody. Sometimes goodlooking and ditzy are fun!
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  • 23
    Wallace-N-Gromit He's a beauty. Thanks for taking care of the Tokyo Drifting Tripod, pure orange power there.
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  • 24
    BucketListM Tripod orange kitty!
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    Mollytovcocktail1... He is amazing and so are you for taking him, loving him, and getting him proper care. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a good human
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  • Nemo truly landed in the right spot at the right time. The moment he walked into that house, everything shifted in his favor. He didn’t just find shelter, he found people willing to care, commit, and give him the life he deserved. Watching him heal, adapt, and thrive now makes it clear that this was never random. It was meant to be.

  • 26
    tinynugget I love reading happy endings!! Thank you for saving that angel bb
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    ShartlesAnd James oh that is prime orange boi!!! congratulations to you both!
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orange wholesome adoption heartwarming Cat distribution system Cats rescue
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