Cat rescued from "hairy" situation

 February 5, 2010

When the Vancouver police called to report an abandoned animal wandering in an industrial area of East Vancouver, they weren't quite sure how to describe the animal.

"It turned out to be a Himalayan cat, but she was so badly matted that at first they couldn't even identify what kind of animal she was underneath all the layers of dried, twisted fur," says Kim Monteith, BC SPCA regional animal welfare supervisor.  "When she came into our care she walked like a turtle because she couldn't manipulate around the thick mattes all over her body."  Medical staff at the BC SPCA Animal Hospital shaved off .9 kilograms (nearly two pounds) of matted fur from Marley (named in honour of singer Bob Marley because of her long dreadlocks), revealing a beautiful cat underneath.  "Himalayans and other long-haired cats need daily grooming and people in the area where the cat was found said they had seen her wandering around for years," says Monteith.  "It was one of the worst cases of matting we'd ever seen, but once she got over the shock of her new haircut she seemed very happy to be able to move freely."  Marley is being moved to the adoption centre at the Vancouver SPCA shelter this weekend.  "She is the sweetest cat and is extremely affectionate once she gets past her shyness," says Monteith. 

If you have room in your heart and your home for Marley, please visit her at the Vancouver shelter, 1205 East 7th Avenue.

Feb. 9, 2010 Update:

Marley has been adopted, and is enjoying her new forever home in Vancouver.

Each year the BC SPCA helps thousands of innocent animals. Help the BC SPCA care for animals like Marley by donating to the October Grey Fund for Animal Care today.   

Photo captions: Before and after. Marley may not look pleased but she's been through a lot!