Long-haired kitties are gorgeous, but all that luxurious fur comes with added responsibilities for their human servants. They have to be groomed regularly or also their fur can easily get matted. Sometimes, it gets so out of control that people let it go. Tragically, that can jeopardize a cat’s health.
One Persian kitty in California took matters into her own paws when her fur became severely matted.
Reeses Needed Daily Grooming to Avoid Matted Fur
Pet rescue advocate, pet chef and Emmy-nominated TV host Rocky Kanaka is widely known for working with shelter pups. But in this case, he shared the unusual case of Reeses, a fluffy kitty.
As you can see, Reeses is a pretty Tortoiseshell and Persian mix, resulting in all sorts of golden, brown, and black tones throughout her fur. She was stunning, with bright, coppery eyes. But unfortunately, her human family let her grooming needs go way too long.
Images and media via Facebook/Rocky Kanaka
Without daily grooming, Reese’s fur got extremely matted – on her entire body! It was much more than merely unsightly. Those heavy mats of fur can pull on the skin enough to cause injury. Serious infections can develop, and the wads of fur can become filthy breeding grounds for bacteria, fleas and parasites.
She Asked for Help for Her Matted Fur
You can imagine how itchy, hot, and painful the matted fur could be. Reeses was in such discomfort that she desperately looked for help on a neighbor’s porch. When they opened the door, she was there hoping someone would help her.
“When she was in need of help so much that she actually went and asked for help. Someone found her at their door with her begging them to just help her,” Kanaka explained.
As we know, cats often intuitively know who is likely to help them. And sure enough, Reeses chose the right porch. Soon, she went to a “superstar groomer” with Animal Friends of the Valley in Wildomar, CA. There, two groomers, Mel and Shelly, prepared for a potentially dangerous situation. Thankfully, they had the magic touch and knew just what to do. But this cat was also incredible, making it vastly easier for them to work.
An Incredibly Sweet Patient
Given how badly Reese’s fur was matted, they had to shave down to the skin. Usually, cats in such a state will be scared, in pain, and unpredictable. If she twitched, it could easily result in a cut. Her skin was already irritated and thin from being constantly pulled. Things had gotten so far-gone, there were large bald patches where the mats pulled her skin.
Yet, the Tortie Queen was almost miraculously cooperative. It’s highly unusual to see a cat this helpful with their own grooming. Much less, when they are in so much discomfort.
“This process was not only about physical care but also about ensuring Reeses felt secure and understood,” shared Lorna Paxton Ladd about the “delicate procedure.”
As the expurrt groomers shaved her, she seemed to know it was just what she needed. At one point, she even rolled over to expose her belly, where the matting was at its worst. It seemed she had been shaven many times before. Yet, for whatever reason, her family had neglected it.
This kitty remained so sweet when she had a medicated bath. And then, she went about grooming herself, feeling confident and safe with her gentle rescuers. She was feeling so much better, and her prayers for help had finally been answered.
It looks like she’s saying a tiny prayer here, doesn’t it? But by then, her worries were over.
Reeses Blooms Into a Monet
In an update by Kanaka, we see that Reeses quickly found a new loving home and name with an employee who “fell in love with her.” A friend of the family, Ashley N., shared the kitty’s artistic name and some wonderful details about her family.
“Her new name is Monet! She’s spoiled and just got a new brother! The person who adopted is a friend of mine,
” shared Ashley.
