Cats are often recognized for their independent nature, spending much of their time exploring outdoors and coming inside mainly for meals and bathroom breaks. This self-reliance makes them easy to care for. However, without regular grooming, their fur can become a serious issue. Hidey, a cat whose owner suffered from Alzheimer’s, unfortunately, experienced this neglect firsthand. Her owner, unable to groom her, left Hidey uncared for over the years. When animal rescuers eventually found her, they were shocked—her fur had become so severely matted that she looked like an octopus.

The Pittsburgh Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center, where Hidey was brought, reported that she may not have been groomed for up to two years. Some sections of her fur had grown to an astonishing 6 to 8 inches long.

Fortunately, veterinarian Jenn Levitzki stepped in to help Hidey. She posted a video of the grooming process on Facebook, stating, “Hidey has the worst matting I have ever seen; she has dreadlocks.” To keep Hidey comfortable during the procedure, she was gently sedated beforehand.

“Our Medical team shaved off pounds of intertwined fur from her body, and needless to say, this cat is feeling so much better now!” the shelter shared on their Facebook page, according to People magazine.

Following her remarkable transformation, Hidey was welcomed into a new home with a distant relative of her former owner. This touching story serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to check in on our elderly loved ones and their pets.

It’s important to take time to visit our elderly relatives and neighbors, as even small efforts can make a significant difference in their lives. By doing this, we can ensure that both they and their pets are healthy and cared for. Without reaching out, we might never realize if they’re facing difficulties.