Meet Rod the Tripod.

Palm Desert, CA · Adult · Domestic Short Hair / Bombay / Mixed (short coat)

Listed since Feb 4, 2026. Listing dates do not establish shelter intake or continuous availability.

First seen by Goodmorph Oct 30, 2026.

Rescue last updated: May 9, 2026

In the shelter’s words

Meet Rod the Tripod Rod is an estimated 5-year-old gentleman with a sleek black coat, bright eyes, and a spirit that simply refuses to quit. Rod’s story began at the Riverside County shelter, where he arrived with a severely broken ankle. The shelter director personally transported him to an orthopedic surgeon to give him the very best chance possible. After evaluation, the surgeon determined that amputation was the kindest and most comfortable option. Rod handled it all with remarkable resilience. Now fully recovered from surgery, Rod is learning life on three legs — and honestly, he seems to think he’s still got four. He plays, explores, follows his people around, and greets each day with obvious joy. His missing leg has not slowed him down one bit. His luxurious black fur is even beginning to grow back over his surgery site. Along the way, we also discovered that Rod is feline leukemia (FeLV) positive. His follow-up testing suggests he will likely remain positive long term, which means he needs a home where he can be the only cat, or potentially with other FeLV-positive cats under appropriate guidance. What Rod lacks in a missing leg, he makes up for in affection. He adores wet nose kisses, gentle “love nibbles,” and quality cuddle time with his humans. His favorite treat in the entire world is a Churu stick, and he will happily supervise snack time with great enthusiasm. Rod is attentive, loving, and deeply connected to the people he trusts. He is the kind of companion who wants to be part of your everyday life. Rod has already survived pain, surgery, and uncertainty. What he wants now is simple: a safe home, soft places to nap, snacks to enjoy, and someone to love. * * * * * Adoption Application here All adoptions include: spay/neuter, FVRCP vaccination (core feline vaccine), rabies vaccination (if old enough), FIV/FeLV test, deworming, microchipping, an initial complimentary veterinary examination at a specified veterinary practice. To help support our mission, our adoption fees are as follows : - Kittens <1 year $89 - Adult 1 year - 10 years $75 - Senior 10 years+ $0 REQUIREMENTS: Unless specifically indicated, INDOOR pets only and NO declawing - all of our cats and kittens use a variety of scratching posts and other scratching devices. Please note, we often get multiple applications for the same cat or kitten. Unless there are over-riding constraints or requirements, e.g., one of a bonded pair, we always give priority to the order in which we receive a completed application (first qualified, first served). ForeverMeow is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cat rescue, registered with the California State Attorney General. ForeverMeow is a certified adoption partner of: Riverside County Department of Animal Services, Petco Foundation, and a Best Friends Network Partner. Nearly all of our cats & kittens are rescued from Coachella Valley shelters, or to avoid them from entering the shelter. Since 2012, we have rescued over 2,000 cats and kittens.

RescueGroups record ID: 22244840

What this home needs

• Cats

  Mentioned by the shelter

  “His follow-up testing suggests he will likely remain positive long term, which means he needs a home where he can be the only cat, or potentially with other FeLV-positive cats under appropriate guidance.”

  Not a verified observation — ask staff about the context. A positive shelter report may support search results; it remains unverified and needs confirmation.

  Shelter statement ↗
• Still to ask the shelter

  other dogs · children · housing and stairs · medical and care. These details are not documented here; unknown does not mean no.

Roster last seen: Nov 2, 2026, 6:07 AM UTC
Goodmorph last synced: Nov 2, 2026, 6:07 AM UTC
Availability confirmed by a person: Not confirmed

Shelter staff and authorized volunteers: add a dated observation

This shared profile remains available for up to 90 days after it leaves the source roster, unless removal is requested sooner. Adoptions and applications are handled by the shelter.