Cats are famously independent creatures, often spending their days roaming outside and returning home mainly to eat or use the litter box. Because of this, they’re generally easy to care for. However, without regular grooming, their fur can quickly become a serious issue.
Unfortunately, Hidey—a cat whose owner suffered from Alzheimer’s—experienced this neglect firsthand. Over time, her owner became unable to care for her properly, and Hidey’s fur became so severely matted that she looked like an octopus. Rescuers were stunned when they finally found her.
After being taken to the Pittsburgh Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, staff estimated that Hidey hadn’t been groomed for as long as two years. In some areas, her fur had grown into thick mats measuring six to eight inches long.
Thankfully, veterinarian Jenn Levitzki stepped in to help. Sharing a video of the grooming on Facebook, she wrote that Hidey had “the worst matting I have ever seen—she had dreadlocks.” To keep her comfortable, Hidey was given a mild sedative before the procedure.
According to People magazine, the shelter later posted, “This cat is undoubtedly feeling so much better after our medical team shaved pounds of tangled fur off her body!”
After her remarkable transformation, Hidey was adopted by a distant relative of her former owner. Her story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to check in on our elderly loved ones—and their pets.
Even small gestures can make a big difference in the lives of our aging neighbors and family members. By staying connected, we can ensure their safety and the proper care of their animals. Without reaching out, we may never know when they need help.
