A stray cat waited in front of residents’ door until they noticed him. They accidentally changed his life.

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A few months ago, a stray cat meandered his way to a random front porch and lay down on the doormat for some rest.

The residents were surprised to see the little feline visitor lounging outside by himself. When they opened the door, the cat sauntered right in as if he owned the place. He immediately greeted them with rubs and meows.

The cat was pleased to have stopped for a plate of food, water to quench his thirst and a makeshift nest to get some shut-eye, but little did he know that his life was about to change.

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The residents saw him walking with a limp and realized that he couldn’t put weight on one of his hind legs. Upon closer inspection, his leg appeared to be wounded.

The family contacted an animal rescue group, Chatons Orphelins Montreal, hoping to get the cat the medical attention he needed and a chance at a better life.

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Celine of the rescue sprang into action and arranged for transport, so the cat could be seen by a veterinarian straight away. He was skinny and rough around the edges. The x-rays showed that he had an infection in his leg, likely due to an untreated bite wound.

The cat has extra toes on his paws which resemble mittens. He’s eager for affection, radiating warmth and love.

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“We named him Hemingway. He was exhausted from trying to fend for himself outside, and it was time that he got help,” Celine shared with Love Meow.

“He came into our care with complete confidence. He let us carry him and asked us for affection if we weren’t paying attention. He was just happy to have someone to look after him.”

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With proper treatment, the cat started to walk on all fours again. “He went to stay with his foster family and felt right at home. He immediately sought them out for cuddles.”

Hemingway is very persuasive. He sets his mind to get what he wants (mostly attention and pets), and he always succeeds.

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The clever boy starts by rolling on his back, propping his front mittens on his chest, and then gazes at his people with his sad doe eyes. “He is chatty with us and wants to be loved all the time.”

Hemingway adores everyone and has a gentle and sweet temperament.

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He stays close to his people, is inquisitive about what they do and always ready to offer a cuddle.

“He is a little chatterbox. He has a sweet, duck-like meow. He likes to tell us about his adventures or ask for our attention and hugs. As soon as we pet him, he yawns with pleasure.”

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“He is still a kitten at heart and seeks us out so he can play. He doesn’t like it when we close the bathroom door, and will cry in protest until it’s open again.”

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Hemingway spends plenty of his time now basking in the balmy sun by the window. He slumbers with his teddy bear paws outstretched, as if he’s ready to give the world a big hug.

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The former stray has come a long way and blossomed into a complete love-bug. “He came knocking on the door that day with an injured leg, and now he’s a changed cat.”

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Share this story with your friends. More on Hemingway (he’s looking for a home in Montreal) and Chatons Orphelins Montreal on Instagram @comrescuemontreal and Facebook.

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