Cats are famed for their independence, frequently spending their days exploring the vast outdoors and only returning indoors for meals and toilet breaks. This self-sufficiency is what makes them such easy-care pets. However, if cats are not frequently groomed, their fur can rapidly become an issue.
Hidey, a cat owned by someone with Alzheimer’s, was terribly neglected.
Her owner was unable to care for her and left her ungroomed for years. Eventually, animal rescuers discovered Hidey and were taken aback by her appearance. Her fur was matted and twisted, giving her an octopus-like appearance.
According to the Pittsburgh Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, Hidey may have gone without grooming for up to two years.
Her fur strands were astonishingly long, measuring 6 to 8 inches.
Fortunately, veterinarian Jenn Levitzki came to Hidey’s rescue. She posted a video of the grooming process on Facebook, claiming, “Hidey has the worst matting I have ever seen; she has dreadlocks.” To guarantee Hidey’s comfort, she was softly sedated before to the treatment.
“Our Medical team shaved off pounds of intertwined fur from her body, and needless to say, this cat is feeling so much better now!” shared the shelter on their Facebook page, as reported by People magazine.
Following her miraculous makeover, Hidey found a new home with a distant relative of her former owner.
However, this beautiful anecdote serves as a reminder of how important it is to check in on our elderly friends and their pets.
We should make an effort to visit our elderly relatives and neighbors from time to time, as it can make a huge difference in their lives. By doing so, we can ensure that both they and their pets are healthy and thrive. If we don’t ask, we might never know if they are struggling.
Let’s all take a moment to share this incredible rescue story with our family and friends. Together, we can spread the message of compassion and remind everyone to take care of our elderly loved ones and their furry companions.