Advertisement

3lor

Cat with Severely Matted Fur Resembling an Octopus Finally Gets a Fresh Start

A cat that suffered extreme neglect was discovered with one of the most severe cases of matting ever seen. Now, she has a new lease on life and a chance for happiness and comfort.

Advertisement

Her name is Hidey, a fitting choice as she was known to “often hide.”

Advertisement

Last week, a calico cat named Hidey arrived at the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center. Her previous owner, who was suffering from Alzheimer’s, had been moved into a nursing home, leaving Hidey in dire need of care. “Hidey the cat endured severe matting, neglected for years,” the shelter shared with Love Meow.

The matting was so extensive that her fur had formed what resembled dreadlocks, measuring about 6 to 8 inches long. These tangled mats were filled with feces and shed hair, a clear sign of prolonged neglect.

Dan Rossi, CEO of the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Western PA Humane Society, urged people to be vigilant for pets in similar situations. “If a family member, friend, or neighbor owns a pet, please help ensure there’s a support system in place for the pet should mental faculties decline,” he advised.

Advertisement

The matted fur acted like a trap for shedding hair. “The end of the mat contains fur that was shed a long time ago, which is why they grow to such extreme lengths,” explained Emily P., CVT.

Removing the mats was a time-consuming and delicate process, requiring hours of careful work.

“Fortunately, the mats were mostly individual, which made it easier to get underneath them,” shared vet tech Jenn Levitzki. To ensure Hidey’s comfort during the procedure, the team sedated her before starting.

The shelter’s medical team successfully removed the matted hair, which had been weighing her down. “Pounds of intertwined fur were shaved off her body, and it’s safe to say this cat is feeling much better now!” they announced.

Years of discomfort caused by the heavy, matted fur were finally brought to an end as Hidey underwent her transformation.

“Hidey is settling into her new home, and we are optimistic that she will warm up to her new owners now that she’s feeling so much better,” Caitlin Lasky of the Western PA Humane Society told Love Meow.

Now free of the painful mats and dreadlocks, Hidey is thriving and has the opportunity to live a happy, healthy life.

Safe in her forever home, Hidey can now enjoy cuddles and comfort with her new family.

Related Posts:

I Went to Mock My Ex at Her Wedding—The Groom Made Me Go Home and Cry

Antonio and I were in love all four years of college. She was sweet, kind, always patient—and she loved me unconditionally. After we graduated, life changed. Advertisement I quickly landed a well-paying job at a multinational company in Mexico City, while Antonio spent months searching until she finally found a job as a receptionist at ... Read more

The Dog Was Chained in Trash, the Plates Hidden—The Truck Drove On

I was about fifteen minutes out of the city when I saw it. A rusty blue flatbed hauling what looked like junk—clothes, cracked dishes, wires, even a lamp missing its shade. But in the middle of all that… a dog. Advertisement Big. Brown. Chained to the side panel, half-buried in the mess. It was barking ... Read more

The German Shepherd Refused to Leave the Coffin—And His Barking Led to a Shocking Discovery

The funeral was nearly over when a sharp, sudden bark shattered the silence. At first, everyone assumed it was grief. But the barking grew louder, more urgent—almost frantic. Advertisement Until then, the service had been still and somber. Soft sobs, the quiet shuffle of shoes, the rustling of clothes—that was all that could be heard. ... Read more

My Brother Won’t Sleep in His Bed—He Says the Cow Knows the Truth

He used to be a loud kid. Wild. He never sat still. But ever since we came back from the farm last fall, he won’t talk above a whisper. And he only sleeps in the barn now. Wrapped around Daisy, the cow. Advertisement Mom thinks it’s cute. Dad says it’s a phase. But I heard ... Read more

During a Funeral, a Horse Appeared From the Woods and Ran to the Coffin—Everyone Was Shocked by Its Motive

In a small village nestled beside an ancient forest, a funeral was taking place in a somber atmosphere. A polished wooden coffin stood beside a freshly dug grave, the earth still damp and smelling of grass. The villagers gathered in a circle, heads bowed, murmuring prayers. The soft rustle of the wind through the trees ... Read more

Passersby Called Police for a Little Girl—She Pointed to the House “Voices” Told Her to Leave

People were stunned to see a small child standing alone on the street — and quickly called the police. When the officer arrived, the girl calmly said voices had told her to leave… then she quietly pointed to the house at the end of the road 😱😱 Advertisement At first, no one knew where she ... Read more