The cat is now living with a distant relative of her previous owner

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

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The feline, who was hauling around two 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 after her owner went into a nursing home.

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“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!”

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

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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.