When Arizona resident Caitlyn Clarke first spotted a stray cat darting through her backyard, she assumed it was a fleeting encounter. But just days later, persistent meowing from a nearby storm drain revealed that the cat hadn’t gone far. What followed was a surprising and heartwarming journey that brought an unexpected companion into Clarke’s life—and revealed a remarkable story of resilience and age-defying survival.

Clarke and her mother were drawn outside by the sound of the cat’s cries. Peering into the drain, they found a feline face staring back at them—not trapped, but clearly hiding. Concerned for the animal’s well-being, Clarke began spending evenings outside, trying to coax the wary cat out of his hiding spot. “At night, I would sit out here in … the middle of the cul-de-sac for like, two hours,” she told The Dodo. Her persistence paid off, but not before she noticed something unusual: the cat had only three legs.

“I didn’t even know he had three legs for a few days because he hadn’t walked past me,” Clarke explained. “And so the first time he came out, I was like, ‘Oh my God, he has three legs.’” The three-legged cat had been surviving alone, navigating the neighborhood on his own terms—until a monsoon rainstorm changed everything.

Soaked and shivering, the cat appeared at Clarke’s door during the storm. Her mother quickly brought him inside, offering food, water, and a warm place to rest. After days of patience and care, the cat had finally chosen to trust them. Clarke had been sharing updates about the stray on neighborhood forums like Nextdoor and Facebook, but no one had come forward to claim him. That changed when they discovered he had a microchip.

The chip led Clarke to a man named David, who had rescued the cat—named Bambino—14 years earlier. As a kitten, Bambino had suffered a severe leg infection, and David had taken him to the vet to have the leg amputated. Clarke had assumed the cat was much younger. “We thought this cat was, like, 5,” she said. “We had no idea he was 14.”

David had cared for Bambino for seven years before giving him to a neighbor. Somewhere along the way, Bambino was either lost or abandoned, eventually finding his way to Clarke’s neighborhood. When David learned that Bambino had been found, he was relieved—and supportive of Clarke adopting him permanently. He even offered to help with medical expenses and food, ensuring Bambino would continue to receive the care he needed.

For Clarke, the decision to adopt Bambino was immediate. She had been wanting a cat for years, and the serendipitous arrival of this senior, three-legged feline felt like fate. “I’m glad that I just had a random cat show up,” she said. “Because I didn’t get to think about if it was the right time or not. I just have a cat now.”

Bambino has since settled into his new home, embracing the comforts of indoor life. His days are filled with long naps and affectionate cuddles. In the mornings and evenings, he curls up on Clarke’s bed, seeking out snuggles and offering headbutts and gentle paw taps. Despite his age and physical challenges, he has quickly become a beloved presence in the household.

I found this detail striking: even after years of uncertainty and abandonment, Bambino’s capacity for trust and affection remained intact. His story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the unexpected ways they can find their way into our lives—and our hearts.

For those interested in supporting Bambino’s continued care, donations for his dental treatment are being accepted. His journey from a storm drain to a loving home serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful bonds begin in the most unlikely places.

Read more at thedodo.com