At first glance, Chester might seem a little different.
With only three legs, he stands out from the crowd.
But spend even a few seconds with him, and you’ll quickly realize that Chester doesn’t see himself as different at all.
He’s just a regular cat, with big adventures, people to love, windows to patrol, birds to watch, and wrestling matches to win.
From the moment his future family met him at the Nova Scotia SPCA, Chester’s remarkable spirit was impossible to miss.
“What stood out to us from the moment we met Chester is that he was so loving,” said his adopter, Jennifer Furlong. “He started purring and cuddling and immediately was excited to see us. He was incredibly inviting and trusting.”
In fact, they were so captivated by his affectionate personality that they didn’t even notice he was missing a leg until after he stood up.
What they saw first was Chester’s heart. 
When Chester arrived home, he was a little nervous at first, but his family had prepared a cozy room filled with soft blankets and toys where he could settle in and begin getting to know Parsnip, a 10-year-old domestic shorthair, and future best friend.
Following a careful introduction, it didn’t take long for Chester’s gentle nature to shine through. From the very beginning, he was kind and respectful with Parsnip, and before long, the two had become close companions.
Every morning, Chester wakes up with excitement.
“It was like he was pleasantly surprised when he remembered where he was, he started to purr as soon as he heard my voice” Jennifer said.
Every new day began with a joyful thought:
I’m safe.
I’m loved.
I’m home.
Before Chester came along, the family had recently lost another beloved cat. The grief was deeply felt by everyone in the household, including Parsnip.
“No one can replace her,” his adopter says.
Instead, Chester brought his own special gift.
“He has brought a fun energy and companionship to our family that has been so uplifting for all of us,” Jennifer said.
He quickly settled into his role as devoted family member and enthusiastic household assistant. Whatever someone is doing, whether it’s cleaning or painting, Chester is always close by eager to intently watch and supervise.
Chester is not only best friends with Parsnip – he also has a close bond with Jennifer’s husband, Ryan, whose nickname for Chester is “Muscles,” an affectionate name her partner gives him thanks to his energetic wrestling skills. It shows: Having three legs has never slowed Chester down.
“It’s not a hindrance to him in the least,” Jennifer says. “He is as active, if not more so, than our other cat.”
Just like any other cat, he spends his days watching birds and passersby from the window, playing hide and seek, following his family from room to room, and greeting every visitor as though they are his new buddies.
“Anyone who meets him instantly remarks on how charming, and charismatic he is. Every day is a new adventure, every person is a new friend.”
His adopter says it best. 
“Chester has a loving, positive, and unbreakable spirit. With everything he has been through, it’s really a lesson to appreciate the small things and enjoy life. Nothing holds him back from having the best day, every day.”
Before he was rescued, Chester lived outdoors as a stray. Aside from his endearing habit of “caching” his food for later, he transitioned to indoor life without missing a beat.
“You would never know he was an outdoor cat,” she said. “He loves to listen and learn. Chester has always been incredibly sweet, gentle with our family and friends, including kids. He loves being an indoor cat. We couldn’t be happier to have him.”
Jennifer and Ryan are so grateful to the Nova Scotia SPCA for bringing Chester into their lives.
And Chester seems grateful, too.
Every morning, Chester wakes up with his family, starts to purr, and remembers he is exactly where he was always wanted to be.
Home.