Cats are often seen as self-sufficient creatures that can take care of themselves. They wander around outside for hours, coming home just to eat and clean their fur. This gives the impression that they require minimal attention. However, some cats, like Hidey, have coats that need regular grooming. Without it, their fur can become a tangled nightmare.
Hidey’s story is a heartbreaking one. Her owner, suffering from Alzheimer’s, couldn’t manage her grooming needs. As a result, Hidey lived for years without proper care. By the time animal rescuers found her, her once-beautiful coat had turned into a massive mess of ‘dreadlocks’ that made her look like an octopus!
The rescue mission began when Hidey’s owner was moved to a nursing home. Concerned neighbors spotted her and contacted the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center in Pittsburgh. “It was heartbreaking to see her in such a state,” one rescuer commented. Experts believe that Hidey had been neglected for almost two years! Some of her dreadlocks were an astonishing 6 to 8 inches long!
Dr. Jenn Levitzki, a vet who dedicated her time to help Hidey, shared her experience in a video on Facebook. “I’ve seen a lot of matted cats, but this is the worst matting I have ever encountered. She has dreadlocks!” she exclaimed in disbelief. To ensure Hidey was comfortable during the grooming process, the veterinary team decided to sedate her lightly.
As the skilled hands of the veterinary team worked diligently, they slowly revealed the beautiful cat that lay hidden beneath all that tangled fur. “She suffered from severe matting, truly dreadful,” the shelter stated on their Facebook page. “Our medical team has shaved off pounds of her intertwined fur. She is feeling so much better now!”
After her transformation, Hidey was placed in a loving home with a distant relative of her previous owner. Her journey reminds us that neglect can be prevented with proper care and attention.
Let’s take a moment to remember the importance of checking in on our elderly neighbors and their pets. They need our support and love, just like Hidey did. What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the comments below as a gentle reminder to keep an eye out for our elderly loved ones and their furry companions!
