Hidey, a 14-year-old cat found on the streets, had been severely neglected due to her owner’s Alzheimer’s, leaving her unable to groom herself. Her matted fur was so bad that rescuers initially mistook her for an alien.
Paul Russell, who discovered her, said, “My god, this is a cat!” Hidey was rescued and taken to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center, where a medical team shaved her dreadlocked fur.
The ordeal raised awareness about the challenges elderly pet owners face, with CEO Dan Rossi stressing the importance of supporting them. Hidey was eventually rehomed with a family member.