Cat Freed from Several Pounds of Matted Fur at Pennsylvania Shelter

One Pennsylvania cat’s holiday will be lighter and brighter — thanks to a much-needed haircut.

The feline, who was hauling around pounds of overgrown fur that had formed into severe mats, was brought to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center in Pittsburgh on Thursday, clearly in need of serious help following the death of her elderly owner.

“She suffered from severe matting (dreadlocks, really), the likes of which had been neglected for years,” said a post on the shelter’s Facebook page on Friday. “Our Medical team shaved off the pounds of intertwined fur from her body &, needless to say, this cat is feeling so much better now!”

The kitty, whose name is unknown, will be cared for by a distant relative of her previous owner, the post says, and will “finally have a chance at a happy and healthy life.”

The Facebook post reminded people how important it is to check on the elderly and their animals, to prevent things like this from happening to other pets.