Geelong stray, three-legged cat finds forever home

An elusive orange cat known as Lucky Pete broke out of his cage and went missing after having his leg amputated.

Lucky Pete with his new owner Shane Donoghue. Picture: Mark Wilson

Lucky Pete the three-legged cat has likely torn through several of his nine lives.

The stray ginger cat was found in Geelong West and brought into Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) in April.

GAWS animal care supervisor Marnie Sweet said Lucky Pete was a big, strong cat, and when he came to the shelter in April he was in significant discomfort, quite grumpy, unsocialised and not easy to handle.

The feline was found to have a broken right hind leg, a complicated fracture unable to be repaired, so he underwent amputation.

GAWS named him Lucky Pete.

Lucky Pete with his new owner Shane Donoghue. Picture: Mark Wilson

After his operation Lucky Pete was cleared to move to a foster home in April.

“Lucky Pete was not too happy about being placed in a carrier and he banged his way out and escaped as he was being prepared to transition to his foster home,” Ms Sweet said.

Lucky Pete with his new owner Shane Donoghue. Picture: Mark Wilson

Shane Donoghue found him back in Geelong West – he first spotted the cat about five months ago and said he seemed terribly nervous.

Lucky Pete had somehow made his way there from Moolap with just three legs.

Mr Donoghue realised Lucky Pete was “lost and hungry” and began feeding him.

“Bit by bit he came closer and closer to me … over time we developed a bond,” he said.

After he realised Lucky Pete had three legs Mr Donoghue thought he needed to be checked, and also wondered if there was an owner out there.

Lucky Pete only has three legs. Picture: Mark Wilson

Mr Donoghue took the 18-month-old cat to GAWS last week and adopted him days later.

“I just had to go back and get him,” he said.

“I couldn’t live without him.

“He’s a very sweet little cat and very affectionate.”

Ms Sweet said when he returned in October, she thought the cat was Lucky Pete, but didn’t really believe it until she checked the microchip, as he escaped in Moolap and was found in Geelong West — quite a distance for a three-legged cat.

“When he returned he was much calmer, a little shy but easily handled and picked up,” she said.

“As a not for profit organisation, we rely on fundraising and donation of goods.

“Solid new carriers are always welcome — carriers which are “Lucky Pete” proof with metal clips.”

Originally published as Geelong stray, three-legged cat finds forever home