'Their loss is our gain': Orange cat abandoned in the desert becomes the 5th feline in a loving home, new pawrents give thanks early this November

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Nov 5, 2026 3:00 PM EST

It's a mystery why people adopt pets and then abandon them. But it's not for today to ponder the diabolical prowess that comes with human nature, today is just to appreciate the adorable adoption stories that make the cat world go round. 

When you adopt an animal, you're responsible for them. Sometimes it may feel easy to disregard, or to look at the adorable eyes of a puppy or kitten and think to yourself, "I want one." But like any big decision, there should be a lot of real and grounded thoughts to regulate whether you choose to do that or not. Adopting an animal is a big decision, and not one to be taken lightly. You need to consider your day to day, and the needs of the pet. In the story below, someone didn't do their part to consider, and when they figured they couldn't handle having a cat anymore they also didn't do the responsible thing by giving the cat to someone else, they just abandoned the cat. 

But luckily, and maybe as a cosmic act of contrition, a couple found the little polite orange cat wandering the desert alone. She had the clear signs of once being a pet, and though they already have four cats at home they decided a fifth was necessary. Welcome Penny into her new home, and always try to you your best to do what's best not just for you but for those around you. 

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    Cheezburger Image 10674391296
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    She had been abandoned, and had obviously been a pet. We already have four rescues and I was planning
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    to find a home for her. But then my wife saw her and instantly fell in love with her, so now we have five.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    We took her to the vet and found she had no microchip and hasn't been neutered.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    She got checked for viruses and is in the clear. She also got a shampoo and grooming session but wasn't too happy about it. Maybe her first time.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
  • 06
    It's a mystery why people get pets and then abandon them.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    Still, their loss is our gain.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    She's a very sweet, quiet and calm lady, two or three years old. We aim to give her the life she deserves.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    Edit: I thought I'd uploaded multiple pictures but I didn't. Please check the comments for more pictures of her.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    Also, we gave her the name 'Penny', because she's the colour (now) of a shiny new penny.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    Further edit: I wasn't expecting this to blow up so much, thanks to everyone for the kind words and the awards.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber

  • This couple could have ignored the cat, but they chose to act on seeing her with love. November is the month of thanks because of Thanksgiving. It's autumn and harvest is all around us. It's a time of growth and about gathering things together with love and care. Thanksgiving isn't just about turkey, it's about giving appreciation for the things in life that we truly need and make us fulfilled. Cats fulfill us in ways that can't be described with words. I know that this Thanksgiving I'll be getting some chicken to make (I don't like turkey), and my cat Ty will appreciate some of the chicken as well. We'll sit down for a wholesome meal with my boyfriend and just be consumed with the love and gratitude we share. And this family will probably do the same with their new little orange cat.

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    And thanks to everyone who shared their rescue stories, you're the best of humans.
    via u/SandyBeachcomber
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    Public-Variety5424 A global law should be introduced, under which if you
    via u/Public-Variety5424
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    abandon a pet, you would never, ever be allowed to have another one. I know that's
    via u/Public-Variety5424
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    difficult because people who own pets often don't even bother to microchip them, have
    via u/Public-Variety5424
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    them neutered or get them vaccinated, but I hope we'll get to that point, where there's a
    via u/Public-Variety5424
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    register and that's the end of it for that person. Because animals shouldn't have to suffer because of human negligence and whims.
    via u/Public-Variety5424
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    By the way, what a lovely cat: orange cats, along with void cats, are my weakness.
    via u/Public-Variety5424

  • There's something so mysterious about the desert. It's such harsh living conditions for so many species, and to survive and thrive there you have to be quite special. And maybe that's something this family saw in Penny. She's a wandering desert cat, she's orange and that's already full of mystery and royalty in the same way that a redhead is admired in art as a muse, and they took a chance on her. Deserts have a way of making us question what life is all about. What's the real meaning, what builds purpose, and why do we do what we do. I remember camping in Joshua Tree many years ago and the silence of the desert can speak so loudly sometimes that it actually teaches you about yourself. 

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    cursetea It literally makes me want to throw up to think about people
    via u/cursetea
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    who can do that to an animal and just move on with their lives. Irredeemable scum.
    via u/cursetea
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    I'm so glad you found her!!
    via u/cursetea

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