A big-hearted tripod cat arrived as a stray, determined to capture every heart until her wish of finding love finally came true.
Delilah (aka Avni) | Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Earlier this month, a three-legged stray cat was brought to an animal shelter, her future uncertain and her tiny body weak. When rescuers at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions heard about her situation, they rushed to save her and give her a second chance. Despite missing a leg and being only skin and bones, Delilah showed endless gratitude to be indoors. She purred loudly and kneaded her blanket nonstop, rising up on her three paws to greet anyone who approached her kennel.
“She’s incredibly affectionate and loving. She loves giving kisses and head butts,” shared Ellen Richter, her foster volunteer.
She was found as a stray, hopping around with three legs | Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Delilah quickly won the hearts of everyone she met with her remarkable resilience. Life had given her a tough battle, but she never lost her spirit. She had lost her front leg while trying to survive outdoors and fighting off other animals. Rescuers could see the wound was full of debris and had already started healing, meaning she had been living this way for quite some time before being saved.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
With the support of Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions, Delilah finally received the surgery she desperately needed. Shortly after waking up, she was already back to making biscuits, chirping happily, and reaching out for snuggles from her foster mom, Ellen. She would even pause her meals just to be petted, melting into Ellen’s hands and insisting she stay close while she ate.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Delilah’s curiosity grew stronger as she healed. She even managed to push through panels overnight to roam the entire room. Each morning she would greet her foster mom by rubbing against her legs and showing off her belly before curling back into her blanket. Wearing her little recovery suit proudly, she didn’t mind the changes at all and enjoyed showing off a new color each day.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Each night Ellen would remove her suit for a short grooming session, giving Delilah her favorite time of day. Within just a few days, Delilah gained a full pound and finally started to fill out. Ellen expanded her space with yoga mats, where Delilah joyfully jumped over obstacles with ease. Her playful yet cuddly personality shined as she showered her foster mom with head butts, purrs, and endless affection.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Delilah thrived as a mellow couch potato who loved being cradled like a baby. After her staples were removed, she hopped around with pure joy, ready for her forever home. Soon, the perfect adopter came along—someone who had followed her journey from the start and knew she would be the perfect addition to their family.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
When Delilah, now renamed Avni, went to meet her adopter, she was nervous at first but soon relaxed and even fell asleep on her new mom’s lap. That day her wish came true—she finally had a forever family. She will now have an older cat for company, two older dogs, two loving adults, and a young human to spoil her endlessly. Her new life is filled with love, security, and happiness.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Avni is the true definition of survival and resilience. Thanks to the compassionate volunteers at Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions and her foster mom Ellen, she transformed from a fragile stray into a cherished family member. Her story reminds us that every animal deserves a chance at happiness and love.
Photo Credit: Ellen Richter
Share this story with your friends. See more of Ellen’s fosters on Instagram @foster_kitten_tails and Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions at @homewardboundcats.
