When Hidey, a 14-year-old cat, was discovered on the streets, rescuers initially mistook her for something alien due to her severely matted fur. Paul Russell, who found her, exclaimed, “My god, this is a cat!” Hidey had been neglected for years because her elderly owner, suffering from Alzheimer’s, couldn’t groom her.
She was taken to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center, where a medical team carefully shaved her fur, which had become dreadlocked. Hidey’s condition highlighted the challenges elderly pet owners face in caring for their pets. CEO Dan Rossi stressed the importance of supporting elderly pet owners, noting, “It’s crucial for elderly pet owners to understand the responsibility involved.”
Despite her ordeal, Hidey found a new home with a family member who could provide the care she needed. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between elderly individuals and their pets, and the need for compassion and support in such situations.
