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Someone Dumped A Cat At A Shelter Overnight In A Terrible Condition, But After Shaving Its Fur They Saw A True Beauty
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Someone Dumped A Cat At A Shelter Overnight In A Terrible Condition, But After Shaving Its Fur They Saw A True Beauty

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Sadly, the folks at Douglas County Animal Care & Services in Gardnerville, Nevada, are well accustomed to receiving anonymous animal dumping outside of regular work hours, but this one was even more heartbreaking than usual.

On arrival at the shelter one morning, shelter supervisor Liz Begovich and her collegues came across an animal carrier, with a huge ball of unidentifiable fluff inside. “All we saw was a matted mess,” Liz told The Dodo.

What could this poor creature be? The shelter staff’s first guess was that it must be a dog, given that dogs are generally less fastidious about their grooming than cats. It was time to open the carrier and find out. “We couldn’t turn him around because of the way he was shoved in the carrier,” Liz said. “So we took the top off and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s a cat!’ I’ve never seen a cat in that sort of condition.”

It was really bad. The cat was a prisoner of its own fur, barely able to move under the tangled, matted layers. He was overweight due to lack of exercise, and whoever had owned him must presumably just brought food and water and put it right under his nose.

“We immediately took him to the vet where they sedated him,” Liz continued. “They shaved about 4.5 pounds of hair off of him. It filled a full-size kitchen trash bag.” The sudden freedom immediately lifted the confidence of the previously dreadlocked cat, who they cheekily named Bob Marley. “Once the hair was off, he was walking around. I saw him looking up at the counter thinking, ‘I can jump up there.’ I thought, ‘No you can’t.’”

Bob now has a loving home, who can help him recover from years of neglect, as well as shed all those excess pounds he is carrying around. At 10 years old he still has many good years ahead of him! He has turned out to be such a handsome devil, and was adopted within a few days.

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The authorities are making inquiries to try to find Bob’s previous owner, the man who dumped him was captured on CCTV and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this person. Perhaps he was a Good Samaritan, having rescued Bob and dropped him at the shelter for treatment, nobody knows. Liz herself is unsure, but has doubts about any good intentions from the mystery man. “Normally, when someone leaves an animal after hours, there’s usually more to the story. It’s typically not a Good Samaritan who found an animal on the side of the road,” she said. “We would really like to know the backstory. There could be other animals in this house, wherever this cat came from, who are in the same condition.”

Either way, the truth will surely emerge eventually. The main thing is that Bob is happy, loved and free of his shackles. Scroll down below to check him out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

An unidentified man was caught on CCTV leaving an animal carrier in front of an animal shelter recently

Image credits: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

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Image credits: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

The shelter staff’s first guess was that it must be a dog, given that dogs are generally less fastidious about their grooming than cats

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

“We couldn’t turn him around because of the way he was shoved in the carrier”

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

“So we took the top off and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s a cat!’ I’ve never seen a cat in that sort of condition”

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Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

The cat was a prisoner of its own fur, barely able to move under the tangled, matted layers

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

“They shaved about 4.5 pounds of hair off of him. It filled a full-size kitchen trash bag”

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

It turned out the formerly dreadlocked cat, who the shelter cheekily named Bob Marley, was also severely overweight

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

The new dashingly handsome Bob was put up for adoption, and now has a loving home

Image credits: Douglas County Animal Care & Services

As for the previous owner, some people came to defend the man that was caught on tape

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However, others weren’t buying it

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!

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crabcrab avatar
Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mixed feelings here. I agree that it seems unlikely that this person was a good samaritan and just brought the cat. But even in the contrary, that is, he negleted that cat, prosecuting him based on the video footage might discourage other people neglecting their animals from at least abanndoing them at places where help is close. However, any single case of animal neglect is one too many.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My guess is that the owner was suffering from severe depression and finally found the strength to at least drop the cat off at the shelter. The cat seems to be quite allright with people, which would mean that it was not treated with cruelty, even though it was horrendously neglected. Depresion could definitely be the root of this, and no, it should not be prosecuted, also for the reason Hans is pointing out.

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alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't know the story, so I think it makes no sense to try to pass judgement (maybe he was a good Samaritan who found the cat, though that seems unlikely seeing how the poor thing could barely move, maybe he was the neglectful owner, or maybe the cat belonged to an elderly relative who recently passed away, who knows), what I do know is that the last thing shelters should do is scare people away from turning in unwanted animals, and that is what they run the risk of doing by getting the police involved. Besides, does anyone really think he wouldn't have gotten judged if he'd turned up with a cat in that condition during business hours and done 'the right thing'? I'm glad the cat is safe, but I really think they should let it go.

andreaarica avatar
Ari
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So shelters should just take abused animals and not try to take any steps toward addressing abuse at its source? The owner of the cat could have other pets in terrible condition that need to be rescued, or could get a new pet and neglect it. That's why the police gets involved. A case of abuse or neglect should not just be "let go", there have to be consequences for the people committing these acts.

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culmone10 avatar
Giovanni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are not divided in saints and monsters and judging them based on assumptions is always wrong.

misstwosense avatar
Basil
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone always wishes the world was so black and white, especially when it comes to animal welfare issues, but it just isn't. That doesn't make this case any less sad or frustrating though.

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lyndaannegutierrez avatar
Lynda Momalo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it belonged to an elderly person who was senile (e.g., his mother) who was overfeeding and neglecting the cat because they didn't know better, and he had to remove the cat while they were sleeping.

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was also my first thought, though I'm not sure we are talking of a catnapping in the middle of the night, or if the original owner might have passed away. I remember an old family friend who just kept forgetting that she had already fed her cat, luckily it was a short haired cat, so matted hair wasn't an issue, but the thing is that while we knew she was in no shape to care for that cat, we also knew how devastated she would be if we were to take him from her She was recently widowed and that cat was her world, so we tried to keep an eye on the situation as best we could, but in the end we prioritized her well-being over the cat's. The cat lived to be fourteen, and she passed away shortly thereafter. It was not ideal, but I still think it was the right thing to do.

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jenny-sorensen avatar
Juana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man got the cat to people who could care for it. No matter what else he's done in his life, this was the right thing to do. And 5:30 AM is hardly the dead of night. It's before going to work a morning shift for many people.

patricia_v_evans avatar
Tricia Evans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think he should get in trouble for dropping the cat off. He could have easily let it die and no one would have known any better. If someone makes an effort to get an animal help then they should not be hunted down and charged for doing the right thing. Punishing someone for stepping up and doing the right thing is wrong. This is why more people DON'T step up.

ktkate06 avatar
Rick Penn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t care what the story is … as long as ol’ Bob got help! Personally, I think it was probably a guy who had an elderly family member who let Bob get into this shape, and the guy was afraid he would be held responsible, so he dropped Bob off after hours. I don’t think the guy is really trying to hide anything … (I mean, he had to know there was a security camera there, and he surely wasn’t trying to hide his face). He was just probably afraid they would try to charge him for the care ol’ Bob rec’d … and he probably didn’t have the money(?) Whatever the reason … if they go after this guy like HE is a criminal (maybe he is, maybe he isn’t), then everyone IS right … less people will try to help, or get involved in the future. Let it go and let’s just be happy that Bob is (apparently) doing much better! Thank you, sir, for bringing him in … whether he was yours and things just “got out of hand”, or whether you brought him in because someone else let him get into this shape!

kevhare avatar
Kevin Hare
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's all about context. He may have been a relative of an old person, or disabled who had the cat. Obviously it wasn't starved so it doesn't make sense someone would have such a well fed cat with a fairly expensive carrier an the same time, show such disregard for grooming unless it became unmanageable and they were unable to pay for care. I tend to feel the person dropping the cat off had no choice and was caring enough to transport it to a shelter.

shaynameidela avatar
Carol Harrison
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kitty could have belonged to a family member, perhaps one who was quite elderly. Upon their passing, Kitty's condition came to light. So...not guilty.

phxhocking avatar
Phoenix Hocking
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not knowing why the gentleman dropped the cat off in the middle of the night, I'm just glad he did. Perhaps he works during the day and couldn't come in then. Maybe the cat belonged to a friend or relative who died. There are a lot of scenarios that could be true, and without knowing the true facts, I prefer to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. In the end, he didn't just dump the poor cat in a field somewhere to fend for itself, but took it to the shelter where it could be taken care of. That's got to count for something.

sbagci avatar
S Bagci
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever the story is, I'm just glad the kitty finally got the help he needed. He is a very handsome cat !

pipkrin avatar
Kat Martindale
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is possible that the cat had been owned by someone who was older and suffered from some form of dementia. The man might have been related to the owner and wanted to help the cat while protecting the owner. I know a gentleman who "inherited" his mother's dog after her death. It was a Chihuahua mix, weighted nearly 20 pound and hadn't walked in almost 3 years because she carried him everywhere and fed him only people food. She loved and adored the dog and wasn't trying to be cruel but her babying the poor thing was due in part to her own mental breakdown. The dog is now fine, running around at a healthy weight.

lynnnoyes avatar
Lynn Noyes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've heard of similar cases where an elderly person was beyond properly caring for and grooming a cat, but kept feeding and watering it. The man who left the cat looks competent. And the carrier it was left in was not cheap. The owner may have died and the man got care for the cat.

theryanmiller81 avatar
Bear Trapp
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having a shelter on "Dump Rd" surely isn't helping things.

katie-trondsen avatar
KT Trondsen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it was very wrong for them to announce this and ask for the publics help in identifying the man. If it was his cat, in the end he did the right thing by leaving it with people who could help it. Now looking to punish him will make others fearful of turning in neglected animals and they will die a bad death.

kanna172014 avatar
Kiki
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do they know he abandoned it? For all we know, he found the cat and then dropped it off at the shelter because he couldn't afford to take it to a vet.

mekala-whitaker avatar
Bella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they going after the gut bringing the cat in, being hunted?? You don't know if it was him that neglected the cat! The guy could have been someone that knew the owner and said that he can't tolerate it anymore and took the cat in to the vet. People are so quick to jump into judging or thinking the most horrible scenario and they don't know jack s**t! I hope they do find him but not charge him... Yet until they get all the facts. If it was him, then so be it, arrest his a*s but if its not, which I personally don't think it is, then leave him alone and give him a reward!

deb-lucas avatar
Dilly Millandry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, that poor beautiful cat. How can anyone let an animal get in such a state? If you aren't prepared to groom a long haired cat then don't let it get that bad! It will soon be obvious if you can't deal with it. That cat was a long time neglected! Hand him over to a rescue shelter or find someone else who can look after him. As for poor Bob's mystery man - unlikely to be a good Samaritan but at least he dropped him off somewhere he would be helped. The worry is that he may have other animals in neglected states. Maybe a prosecution isn't the answer if this was an isolated case or he voluntarily gave up any other animals. We don't want to discourage people from handing over animals they can't cope with. The freedom Bob must be feeling now! Many hugs Bob!

angelamerkord avatar
Angela Merkord
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone is so judgemental now days it makes me sick. Yes he was seen dropping the cat off at night but for all we know, maybe he found the cat at night, maybe he couldn't get to the shelter until after hours, there could be so many circumstances but at the end of the day, the man sought help for the cat and not a single person is above anyone else to be making snap judgements without any factual evidence.

keithverret avatar
Keith Verret
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I doubt the person who brought the cat to the shelter is the owner who neglected the cat for so long. After all why would someone who didn't care about the cat in the first place, bring him ANYWHERE. Bag, trash can, done. More likely, this guy discovered this cat with someone close or dear or important to him who he didn't want getting into trouble but couldn't allow the person to continue to mistreat the cat.

tlilly avatar
Lilly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to err on the side of caution & believe that the man was helping to save the cat. Maybe it belonged to a neighbor that would take care of it? Maybe it belonged to someone who passed, and the man was trying to do right by the cat? With it being so overweight, I doubt it was a stray. Anyway, let's all be thankful that the beautiful cat was saved!

luvlethalwhites avatar
Michelle Line
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Regardless of the background and reason for abandoning the cat, everyone should be grateful he left the cat at an animal shelter rather than dumping it out in the middle of the country or city. I would rather see someone do this than dump the cat were it wouldn't get any help.

destinycoward avatar
destiny coward
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to see animals like that thats why I what to be an animal rescuer

furryfelines avatar
Alexandra Perry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cant believe anyone would let their cat get into such a horrible state. Perhaps this cat was a stray and this man found him like this and brought him in for help? I don't like labeling him as the culprit without any evidence. It's never safe to assume anything just on a pic. What makes me so happy is that even though this cat is old, he was properly taken in and well cared for and then some sweet person came in an adopted him. I pray the rest of his life that this kitty is treated like a king and his pampered and loved. He certainly deserves it.

shibas1 avatar
Laura Perkinson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think and like all of you, I have no idea for sure. that this man knew of this cat and that it belonged to, perhaps a older sister or mother or neighbor. He Knew the cat needed help and he could not afford the drop off fees. Always 2 sides to every story. He truly did the cat a huge favor no matter the reason for dropping it off. \

jean_jenns avatar
Jean Jenns
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY if not most public animal shelters require "surrender fees", that is, payment from the person who surrenders or turns in an animal to the shelter. THIS "fee" (which is often variable depending on WHO is at the front desk that day!) is inhumane and leads to SO MANY pets being dumped out on streets or in the country or after hours at animal shelters. NO ONE should have to pay to turn in a pet. MANY people cannot afford that fee. It hurts the pets the most. JUST a suggestion why the cat may have been left "after hours".

seeker6j avatar
Jerome Goodwin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On second thought the cat may have been a stray and he did it a favor.

valeriewagner2012 avatar
Valerie Wagner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What matters is the animal got the help he so desperately needed. There are ways to find out if the man that dropped him at the shelter is abusing other animals without demonizing him for doing the right thing.

pixelwolf011 avatar
PixelWolf 011
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, while he isn't necessarily the best person for leaving it in the night, we don't know that he was involved with the actual neglect of the cat. All we know is that he at least recognized that this was not good for the cat and dropped him off. My opinion is that we don't know enough to form opinions.

rabbitohare avatar
Rabbit O'Hare
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man brought the cat in and saved the cat's quality of life in doing so. They even got a free cat carrier out of the deal. Would they rather he dump the poor kitty in a river so no one would see him? For whatever reason, someone could not take proper care of the cat and he made sure the cat made it to someone who could.

dragonlyra2 avatar
Judit Thoma
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God, everyone just needs to stfu. I have no idea if that guy was the cat's owner or not, maybe he was and others from the family didn't want to give the cat away even though he was in such awful condition and that's why he did it in the middle of the night. Maybe he took it from an old lady next door who isn't able to take care of herself, much less a cat. Maybe he did treat the cat badly and realized he had to do something but was ashamed. It doesn't matter. Without a backstory he deserves neither praise nor a manhunt, he's just a guy who acted like any normal person would. Now the cat is fine and that's what matters. So if everyone could just mind their own businesses that would be great. (Sorry for my outburst, just, this is not the first time I thought this, reading the collected comments in posts or just the comment section)

heinz57 avatar
Tuesdays Child
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I won't judge anybody without all the facts. He could have left the cat outside and left to the elements. I had a dog whining and barking at my door after midnight. I brought it in and got maybe two hours of sleep. I took it to the shelter in the morning and discovered there were kennels outside for after hours drop off. I discovered the owner was our neighbor. Had I known it was hers, I would have woke her up in the wee small hours to take care of her dog.

p-a-golden avatar
Patti
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who knew cats hair could grow so long, that's weird. If you could brush it out it would be 2 feet long. Some one was feeding that cat very well

saihoekstra avatar
Sanne H.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A neglected cat is a skinny cat, not a fat one. Judging it by its size, this cat was loved very much, but - for whatever the reason - the owner was just not capable to treat it well. Good that it was brought here.

kobzova-katarina avatar
Kat K
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don´t know, if that man is "good samaritan", if he just found that cat somewhere, he could bring it to the shelter explain situation or something. But like, most people just dump unwanted pets somewhere on the street, so he at least brought it to the save space where they were able to help.

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I avoid adopting animals with that sort of hair. I currently have a cat that gets mats around his chest and I spend hours trying to get them out while he tries to run away. I am young, healthy, and I check regularly so it doesn't get out of hand. But elderly tend to be unable to put that sort of effort into maintaining fur. My father has poodles...I go to his house every few months and clip them for him, and every time I curse my father for getting poodles in the first place as I spend the better part of the day getting knots out.

elizabethlordcary avatar
Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see an even later photo once his hair grows back, glad that cat got to someplace where he can be taken care of. I have a dog with long hair and know that animals with a lot of hair can be a lot of work.

jennifer_roth avatar
Sodom
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And everytime when i think: it ca t be worse ..........

goombapizza avatar
Janine O'Flaherty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FAKE. That cat is not a longhair. Look at his face! This is just another cheap attempt by some rescue organization to get publicity and money. The poor cat was either photoshopped or they put a coat on him.

klm3599 avatar
Kristy LeAnn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think that guy neglected the cat. I think he either found the cat somehow or he knew the owners of the cat and took it while they weren't looking (or convinced them to give up ownership of the cat) so he could get it some help. When people abuse/neglect animals it's really unusual for them to just turn them over to someone else (like a shelter) like that.

laristein007 avatar
Ndamo Laris
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever the case, he brought the cat to a shelter. It's better than throwing it away in a trash bag

aneewon avatar
Aneese
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given the time in the morning the camera captured the drop-off, most likely the man was on his way to work. He could be the owner but I don't think so ... I think he rescued that cat from a neighbor or a relative or whatever and dropped it off not wanting the original owner to know who took their cat. Focus on the important thing, the cat got help. The man gave the cat a chance at a better life ... everything else is just speculation ... "What if there are other cats?" "What if he was the bad guy?" etc etc .... Focus on the good, not the negative.

thrashbeth avatar
Elisabeth Thrash-Ladwig
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the publisher of this article says in the line separating the first comments from the next ones...."but others aren't buying this" haven't they made a judgement on opinions.?I thought the purpose of this publication was to share an unexpected happy ending" It appears that "issues" once again seem to be more important to sensationalize a story.. Bottom line .. the cat did not die in the carrier "dumped" in a dumpster somewhere or in a ditch somewhere... Oh and when seeing the pics ... My first thought was, "What about Bob." Does he need a new home? Hey, this cat is alive and has a chance now... isn't that what is important...???

dysamoria-accounts avatar
Jace
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That first photo... I still have no idea what I'm looking at.

philblanque avatar
phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It amazes me how animals can persevere. And with some, they can recover and love their rescuers. I have rescued animals many times, and cherish every one.

edwarddrew avatar
Edward Drew
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cat was in the Circus! Cats don't get fat unless well fed. They called him Dreadlocked Cat!

joeshmoe avatar
joe Shmoe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my theory is that this man stole the cat from the owner to save it, and dropped it off in the middle of the night anonymously to avoid the drama. the kind of neighbor that lets a cat get this way probably has a lot of issues you don't necessarily want spilling over into your life.

melayahm avatar
Caroline Driver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Similar to a cat at the vet I worked in when I was a kid. It was a blue persian and it's fur was one solid mat. The vet sedated it and cut away the fur, I couldn't beleive how much came off it. I think the owners took it back, so no idea if it started all over again. People shouldn't have fluffy cats if they can't be arsed to groom them.

boris_8 avatar
Tao
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beside the story, can anyone tell us what cat it is ? I have never seen any cat with so much hairs in my entire life. I had no idea it can grow so long

jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who neglect or abuse animals should be face prosecution.

katieandjaredcoates avatar
Katie and Jared Coates
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd much rather the cat was dropped off somewhere he had a chance. I remember people used to drown unwanted cats. Let's not discourage someone from doing something semi right.

jlhall13 avatar
porcupine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sad... I can imagine how much pain that cat must have been in any time someone touched him. It’d be like having your hair pulled constantly. I remember having a cat as a kid and it was my job to brush him every day so he didn’t get mats. I wish people would understand that some animals need more grooming than others. I see this kind of s**t way too often... never this bad, though.

leahcerami avatar
Lunar Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the guy was such a hero then why he bring it in the middle of the night. We see this s**t al the time. Think people!

katharinepedelty avatar
Clara The Idiot
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever did that to the cat is horrible, if the man found him then great if he did that do him, not great. However if he did do this what I'm glad about is that he left him at a shelter and not in the streets. He's getting ridiculed for leaving him at the best place to be treated

arkangl60 avatar
Gabby M
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well whomever owned this poor animal didn't own a pair of freakin scissors apparently....

maryjane77760 avatar
Maryjane Ry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cat is safe and quite handsome now. I do love dreads but that was a little too much for me and Bob. I'm sure Bob will have a good life here on out. Kuddos to the man that dropped him off there, this could have turned out much worse.

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Kathy Schaner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found a cute stray several years ago. I feed himand took care of it. Tried to find his family. Then tried to find him a home since he was so sweet. No one wanted him. My husband and I are both allergic to cats. So I finally found a no kill shelter to take him in to adopt out after being checked out. They charged ME a large fee to leave him there. I agree there should be a drop off place that is safe and no fees.

edc_82 avatar
Lola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he was the one to let the cat get like that, then he should get punished. There would be less crimes against animals if the abusers get the same punishment as they do for committing a crime against another human. It makes me so mad!

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Susan Gibson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bottom line the cat was neglected and dropped off after hours. He was wrong

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Matt Arias
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Step 1) Find said man in video surveilance Step 2) Determine if cat was said man's pet and if the man caused this problem. Step 3) Take appropriate action.

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Madison E.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The reason why there looking for the man is because dumping animals off like that is actually illegal in some states.

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Cherie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do not know the full story. Very happy the cat is healthy and has a forever home. There is a special place in hell for those who neglect and hurt animals.

glowworm2 avatar
glowworm2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw! You could barely find Bob under all that matted fur at first. Bob looks like a sweetheart. Thank you for rescuing him from all those tangles.Also, this bit cracked me up: “Once the hair was off, he was walking around. I saw him looking up at the counter thinking, ‘I can jump up there.’ I thought, ‘No you can’t.’

lostosbourne avatar
Audra Granath
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think if he was a good Samaritan he would've brought the cat in during normal business hours instead of abandoning it. If he truly cared about the cat he would've wanted to make sure it was taken care of. I think he was the one who neglected it & then got tired of dealing with it & then abandoned it. Poor thing. No animal deserves that.

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Max L.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having the hairs not grown onto his head as well, only explanation that left out all is staged, is that somebody applied or submerged the cat into something that actually glued dirt to his body. Which is even worse than the whole story is staged.

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Jerome Goodwin
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Debbie Williams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have ZERO sympathies for humans who neglect animals! ... And I agree with the shelter worker - the man who dropped Bob off after hours had no good intentions, he may have neglected Bob or watched it unfold.

jean_jenns avatar
Jean Jenns
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY if not most public animal shelters require "surrender fees", that is, payment from the person who surrenders or turns in an animal to the shelter. THIS "fee" (which is often variable depending on WHO is at the front desk that day!) is inhumane and leads to SO MANY pets being dumped out on streets or in the country or after hours at animal shelters. NO ONE should have to pay to turn in a pet. MANY people cannot afford that fee. It hurts the pets the most. JUST a suggestion why the cat may have been left "after hours".

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Marnee DeRider
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One more reason to not breed animals for useless traits like super-short legs, super long fur, etc. House cats are barely domesticated and, as a species, can live in the wild, since they are barely evolved from their wild ancestors. So....we're trying to make them useless creatures, like we did with dogs: Just look at the poor deformed bulldogs that live in misery, animals with snub noses that interfere with breathing, long hair that can end up like this without human interaction, etc. It's disgusting that we do this to other species.

sashabharti avatar
Sasha Bharti
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked for the rspca in the uk some years ago chances are that the man that dumped it was responsible for the state of the cat's condition, even if he wasn't responsible and took the cat from someone else and dumped it it the person that did that to the cat is now free to do it again and again!!!

elesbian avatar
Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A good samaritan brings the cat in during regular hours to tell staff what they know, to be able to follow up on it's progress, and certainly to be sure it's safe and not abandoned in a cold crate it can't even move around in! Hello!

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
5 years ago

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Exactly. I am stunned at how forgiving people are of this creep.

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
5 years ago

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I hope they catch the evil SOB. Take responsibility and bring the cat to the vet yourself. I am sure it's either a dying or deceased relative and the cheap shIthead doesn't want to spend a dime. Seriously. This is indefensible: dumping a cat and expecting a charitable organization pay for what you can clearly afford.

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Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago

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If the dude didn't have any guild in all this mess, he'd drop off the cat during working hours not in the mid of night. At least he did drop off the cat at a shelter, so not all hope lost. I'm relieved the animal found a loving home. And hope the person responsible for its state get what they deserve... :x

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Leslie Hawley
Community Member
5 years ago

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People get away with animal abuse all the time. All he did was get rid his problem. He deserves a gold metal for neglect and abuse, period.

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Basil
Community Member
5 years ago

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Dreads are not dirty unkempt matted hair like this and naming animals in this way is kind of racist. :/

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Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naming an animal Bob Marley isn't racist, it's just a fun name. Haven't you seen Marley and Me?

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Bobert Robertson
Community Member
5 years ago

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Must be a slow day over at bored panda... This is the best you can post?

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Hans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mixed feelings here. I agree that it seems unlikely that this person was a good samaritan and just brought the cat. But even in the contrary, that is, he negleted that cat, prosecuting him based on the video footage might discourage other people neglecting their animals from at least abanndoing them at places where help is close. However, any single case of animal neglect is one too many.

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Monika Soffronow
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My guess is that the owner was suffering from severe depression and finally found the strength to at least drop the cat off at the shelter. The cat seems to be quite allright with people, which would mean that it was not treated with cruelty, even though it was horrendously neglected. Depresion could definitely be the root of this, and no, it should not be prosecuted, also for the reason Hans is pointing out.

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Alec
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't know the story, so I think it makes no sense to try to pass judgement (maybe he was a good Samaritan who found the cat, though that seems unlikely seeing how the poor thing could barely move, maybe he was the neglectful owner, or maybe the cat belonged to an elderly relative who recently passed away, who knows), what I do know is that the last thing shelters should do is scare people away from turning in unwanted animals, and that is what they run the risk of doing by getting the police involved. Besides, does anyone really think he wouldn't have gotten judged if he'd turned up with a cat in that condition during business hours and done 'the right thing'? I'm glad the cat is safe, but I really think they should let it go.

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Ari
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So shelters should just take abused animals and not try to take any steps toward addressing abuse at its source? The owner of the cat could have other pets in terrible condition that need to be rescued, or could get a new pet and neglect it. That's why the police gets involved. A case of abuse or neglect should not just be "let go", there have to be consequences for the people committing these acts.

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Giovanni
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are not divided in saints and monsters and judging them based on assumptions is always wrong.

misstwosense avatar
Basil
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone always wishes the world was so black and white, especially when it comes to animal welfare issues, but it just isn't. That doesn't make this case any less sad or frustrating though.

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Lynda Momalo
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe it belonged to an elderly person who was senile (e.g., his mother) who was overfeeding and neglecting the cat because they didn't know better, and he had to remove the cat while they were sleeping.

alecstar23 avatar
Alec
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was also my first thought, though I'm not sure we are talking of a catnapping in the middle of the night, or if the original owner might have passed away. I remember an old family friend who just kept forgetting that she had already fed her cat, luckily it was a short haired cat, so matted hair wasn't an issue, but the thing is that while we knew she was in no shape to care for that cat, we also knew how devastated she would be if we were to take him from her She was recently widowed and that cat was her world, so we tried to keep an eye on the situation as best we could, but in the end we prioritized her well-being over the cat's. The cat lived to be fourteen, and she passed away shortly thereafter. It was not ideal, but I still think it was the right thing to do.

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Juana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man got the cat to people who could care for it. No matter what else he's done in his life, this was the right thing to do. And 5:30 AM is hardly the dead of night. It's before going to work a morning shift for many people.

patricia_v_evans avatar
Tricia Evans
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think he should get in trouble for dropping the cat off. He could have easily let it die and no one would have known any better. If someone makes an effort to get an animal help then they should not be hunted down and charged for doing the right thing. Punishing someone for stepping up and doing the right thing is wrong. This is why more people DON'T step up.

ktkate06 avatar
Rick Penn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don’t care what the story is … as long as ol’ Bob got help! Personally, I think it was probably a guy who had an elderly family member who let Bob get into this shape, and the guy was afraid he would be held responsible, so he dropped Bob off after hours. I don’t think the guy is really trying to hide anything … (I mean, he had to know there was a security camera there, and he surely wasn’t trying to hide his face). He was just probably afraid they would try to charge him for the care ol’ Bob rec’d … and he probably didn’t have the money(?) Whatever the reason … if they go after this guy like HE is a criminal (maybe he is, maybe he isn’t), then everyone IS right … less people will try to help, or get involved in the future. Let it go and let’s just be happy that Bob is (apparently) doing much better! Thank you, sir, for bringing him in … whether he was yours and things just “got out of hand”, or whether you brought him in because someone else let him get into this shape!

kevhare avatar
Kevin Hare
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's all about context. He may have been a relative of an old person, or disabled who had the cat. Obviously it wasn't starved so it doesn't make sense someone would have such a well fed cat with a fairly expensive carrier an the same time, show such disregard for grooming unless it became unmanageable and they were unable to pay for care. I tend to feel the person dropping the cat off had no choice and was caring enough to transport it to a shelter.

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Carol Harrison
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kitty could have belonged to a family member, perhaps one who was quite elderly. Upon their passing, Kitty's condition came to light. So...not guilty.

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Phoenix Hocking
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not knowing why the gentleman dropped the cat off in the middle of the night, I'm just glad he did. Perhaps he works during the day and couldn't come in then. Maybe the cat belonged to a friend or relative who died. There are a lot of scenarios that could be true, and without knowing the true facts, I prefer to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. In the end, he didn't just dump the poor cat in a field somewhere to fend for itself, but took it to the shelter where it could be taken care of. That's got to count for something.

sbagci avatar
S Bagci
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever the story is, I'm just glad the kitty finally got the help he needed. He is a very handsome cat !

pipkrin avatar
Kat Martindale
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is possible that the cat had been owned by someone who was older and suffered from some form of dementia. The man might have been related to the owner and wanted to help the cat while protecting the owner. I know a gentleman who "inherited" his mother's dog after her death. It was a Chihuahua mix, weighted nearly 20 pound and hadn't walked in almost 3 years because she carried him everywhere and fed him only people food. She loved and adored the dog and wasn't trying to be cruel but her babying the poor thing was due in part to her own mental breakdown. The dog is now fine, running around at a healthy weight.

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Lynn Noyes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've heard of similar cases where an elderly person was beyond properly caring for and grooming a cat, but kept feeding and watering it. The man who left the cat looks competent. And the carrier it was left in was not cheap. The owner may have died and the man got care for the cat.

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Bear Trapp
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having a shelter on "Dump Rd" surely isn't helping things.

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KT Trondsen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it was very wrong for them to announce this and ask for the publics help in identifying the man. If it was his cat, in the end he did the right thing by leaving it with people who could help it. Now looking to punish him will make others fearful of turning in neglected animals and they will die a bad death.

kanna172014 avatar
Kiki
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do they know he abandoned it? For all we know, he found the cat and then dropped it off at the shelter because he couldn't afford to take it to a vet.

mekala-whitaker avatar
Bella
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they going after the gut bringing the cat in, being hunted?? You don't know if it was him that neglected the cat! The guy could have been someone that knew the owner and said that he can't tolerate it anymore and took the cat in to the vet. People are so quick to jump into judging or thinking the most horrible scenario and they don't know jack s**t! I hope they do find him but not charge him... Yet until they get all the facts. If it was him, then so be it, arrest his a*s but if its not, which I personally don't think it is, then leave him alone and give him a reward!

deb-lucas avatar
Dilly Millandry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, that poor beautiful cat. How can anyone let an animal get in such a state? If you aren't prepared to groom a long haired cat then don't let it get that bad! It will soon be obvious if you can't deal with it. That cat was a long time neglected! Hand him over to a rescue shelter or find someone else who can look after him. As for poor Bob's mystery man - unlikely to be a good Samaritan but at least he dropped him off somewhere he would be helped. The worry is that he may have other animals in neglected states. Maybe a prosecution isn't the answer if this was an isolated case or he voluntarily gave up any other animals. We don't want to discourage people from handing over animals they can't cope with. The freedom Bob must be feeling now! Many hugs Bob!

angelamerkord avatar
Angela Merkord
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone is so judgemental now days it makes me sick. Yes he was seen dropping the cat off at night but for all we know, maybe he found the cat at night, maybe he couldn't get to the shelter until after hours, there could be so many circumstances but at the end of the day, the man sought help for the cat and not a single person is above anyone else to be making snap judgements without any factual evidence.

keithverret avatar
Keith Verret
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I doubt the person who brought the cat to the shelter is the owner who neglected the cat for so long. After all why would someone who didn't care about the cat in the first place, bring him ANYWHERE. Bag, trash can, done. More likely, this guy discovered this cat with someone close or dear or important to him who he didn't want getting into trouble but couldn't allow the person to continue to mistreat the cat.

tlilly avatar
Lilly
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I prefer to err on the side of caution & believe that the man was helping to save the cat. Maybe it belonged to a neighbor that would take care of it? Maybe it belonged to someone who passed, and the man was trying to do right by the cat? With it being so overweight, I doubt it was a stray. Anyway, let's all be thankful that the beautiful cat was saved!

luvlethalwhites avatar
Michelle Line
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Regardless of the background and reason for abandoning the cat, everyone should be grateful he left the cat at an animal shelter rather than dumping it out in the middle of the country or city. I would rather see someone do this than dump the cat were it wouldn't get any help.

destinycoward avatar
destiny coward
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to see animals like that thats why I what to be an animal rescuer

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Alexandra Perry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cant believe anyone would let their cat get into such a horrible state. Perhaps this cat was a stray and this man found him like this and brought him in for help? I don't like labeling him as the culprit without any evidence. It's never safe to assume anything just on a pic. What makes me so happy is that even though this cat is old, he was properly taken in and well cared for and then some sweet person came in an adopted him. I pray the rest of his life that this kitty is treated like a king and his pampered and loved. He certainly deserves it.

shibas1 avatar
Laura Perkinson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think and like all of you, I have no idea for sure. that this man knew of this cat and that it belonged to, perhaps a older sister or mother or neighbor. He Knew the cat needed help and he could not afford the drop off fees. Always 2 sides to every story. He truly did the cat a huge favor no matter the reason for dropping it off. \

jean_jenns avatar
Jean Jenns
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY if not most public animal shelters require "surrender fees", that is, payment from the person who surrenders or turns in an animal to the shelter. THIS "fee" (which is often variable depending on WHO is at the front desk that day!) is inhumane and leads to SO MANY pets being dumped out on streets or in the country or after hours at animal shelters. NO ONE should have to pay to turn in a pet. MANY people cannot afford that fee. It hurts the pets the most. JUST a suggestion why the cat may have been left "after hours".

seeker6j avatar
Jerome Goodwin
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On second thought the cat may have been a stray and he did it a favor.

valeriewagner2012 avatar
Valerie Wagner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What matters is the animal got the help he so desperately needed. There are ways to find out if the man that dropped him at the shelter is abusing other animals without demonizing him for doing the right thing.

pixelwolf011 avatar
PixelWolf 011
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok, while he isn't necessarily the best person for leaving it in the night, we don't know that he was involved with the actual neglect of the cat. All we know is that he at least recognized that this was not good for the cat and dropped him off. My opinion is that we don't know enough to form opinions.

rabbitohare avatar
Rabbit O'Hare
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The man brought the cat in and saved the cat's quality of life in doing so. They even got a free cat carrier out of the deal. Would they rather he dump the poor kitty in a river so no one would see him? For whatever reason, someone could not take proper care of the cat and he made sure the cat made it to someone who could.

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Judit Thoma
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God, everyone just needs to stfu. I have no idea if that guy was the cat's owner or not, maybe he was and others from the family didn't want to give the cat away even though he was in such awful condition and that's why he did it in the middle of the night. Maybe he took it from an old lady next door who isn't able to take care of herself, much less a cat. Maybe he did treat the cat badly and realized he had to do something but was ashamed. It doesn't matter. Without a backstory he deserves neither praise nor a manhunt, he's just a guy who acted like any normal person would. Now the cat is fine and that's what matters. So if everyone could just mind their own businesses that would be great. (Sorry for my outburst, just, this is not the first time I thought this, reading the collected comments in posts or just the comment section)

heinz57 avatar
Tuesdays Child
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I won't judge anybody without all the facts. He could have left the cat outside and left to the elements. I had a dog whining and barking at my door after midnight. I brought it in and got maybe two hours of sleep. I took it to the shelter in the morning and discovered there were kennels outside for after hours drop off. I discovered the owner was our neighbor. Had I known it was hers, I would have woke her up in the wee small hours to take care of her dog.

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Patti
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who knew cats hair could grow so long, that's weird. If you could brush it out it would be 2 feet long. Some one was feeding that cat very well

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Sanne H.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A neglected cat is a skinny cat, not a fat one. Judging it by its size, this cat was loved very much, but - for whatever the reason - the owner was just not capable to treat it well. Good that it was brought here.

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Kat K
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don´t know, if that man is "good samaritan", if he just found that cat somewhere, he could bring it to the shelter explain situation or something. But like, most people just dump unwanted pets somewhere on the street, so he at least brought it to the save space where they were able to help.

jamie_mayfield avatar
Ivana
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I avoid adopting animals with that sort of hair. I currently have a cat that gets mats around his chest and I spend hours trying to get them out while he tries to run away. I am young, healthy, and I check regularly so it doesn't get out of hand. But elderly tend to be unable to put that sort of effort into maintaining fur. My father has poodles...I go to his house every few months and clip them for him, and every time I curse my father for getting poodles in the first place as I spend the better part of the day getting knots out.

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Elizabeth
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would love to see an even later photo once his hair grows back, glad that cat got to someplace where he can be taken care of. I have a dog with long hair and know that animals with a lot of hair can be a lot of work.

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Sodom
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And everytime when i think: it ca t be worse ..........

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Janine O'Flaherty
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

FAKE. That cat is not a longhair. Look at his face! This is just another cheap attempt by some rescue organization to get publicity and money. The poor cat was either photoshopped or they put a coat on him.

klm3599 avatar
Kristy LeAnn
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think that guy neglected the cat. I think he either found the cat somehow or he knew the owners of the cat and took it while they weren't looking (or convinced them to give up ownership of the cat) so he could get it some help. When people abuse/neglect animals it's really unusual for them to just turn them over to someone else (like a shelter) like that.

laristein007 avatar
Ndamo Laris
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever the case, he brought the cat to a shelter. It's better than throwing it away in a trash bag

aneewon avatar
Aneese
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Given the time in the morning the camera captured the drop-off, most likely the man was on his way to work. He could be the owner but I don't think so ... I think he rescued that cat from a neighbor or a relative or whatever and dropped it off not wanting the original owner to know who took their cat. Focus on the important thing, the cat got help. The man gave the cat a chance at a better life ... everything else is just speculation ... "What if there are other cats?" "What if he was the bad guy?" etc etc .... Focus on the good, not the negative.

thrashbeth avatar
Elisabeth Thrash-Ladwig
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When the publisher of this article says in the line separating the first comments from the next ones...."but others aren't buying this" haven't they made a judgement on opinions.?I thought the purpose of this publication was to share an unexpected happy ending" It appears that "issues" once again seem to be more important to sensationalize a story.. Bottom line .. the cat did not die in the carrier "dumped" in a dumpster somewhere or in a ditch somewhere... Oh and when seeing the pics ... My first thought was, "What about Bob." Does he need a new home? Hey, this cat is alive and has a chance now... isn't that what is important...???

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Jace
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That first photo... I still have no idea what I'm looking at.

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phil blanque
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It amazes me how animals can persevere. And with some, they can recover and love their rescuers. I have rescued animals many times, and cherish every one.

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Edward Drew
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That cat was in the Circus! Cats don't get fat unless well fed. They called him Dreadlocked Cat!

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joe Shmoe
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

my theory is that this man stole the cat from the owner to save it, and dropped it off in the middle of the night anonymously to avoid the drama. the kind of neighbor that lets a cat get this way probably has a lot of issues you don't necessarily want spilling over into your life.

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Caroline Driver
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Similar to a cat at the vet I worked in when I was a kid. It was a blue persian and it's fur was one solid mat. The vet sedated it and cut away the fur, I couldn't beleive how much came off it. I think the owners took it back, so no idea if it started all over again. People shouldn't have fluffy cats if they can't be arsed to groom them.

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Tao
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beside the story, can anyone tell us what cat it is ? I have never seen any cat with so much hairs in my entire life. I had no idea it can grow so long

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Jo Choto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People who neglect or abuse animals should be face prosecution.

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Katie and Jared Coates
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd much rather the cat was dropped off somewhere he had a chance. I remember people used to drown unwanted cats. Let's not discourage someone from doing something semi right.

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porcupine
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sad... I can imagine how much pain that cat must have been in any time someone touched him. It’d be like having your hair pulled constantly. I remember having a cat as a kid and it was my job to brush him every day so he didn’t get mats. I wish people would understand that some animals need more grooming than others. I see this kind of s**t way too often... never this bad, though.

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Lunar Panda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the guy was such a hero then why he bring it in the middle of the night. We see this s**t al the time. Think people!

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Clara The Idiot
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whoever did that to the cat is horrible, if the man found him then great if he did that do him, not great. However if he did do this what I'm glad about is that he left him at a shelter and not in the streets. He's getting ridiculed for leaving him at the best place to be treated

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Gabby M
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well whomever owned this poor animal didn't own a pair of freakin scissors apparently....

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Maryjane Ry
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The cat is safe and quite handsome now. I do love dreads but that was a little too much for me and Bob. I'm sure Bob will have a good life here on out. Kuddos to the man that dropped him off there, this could have turned out much worse.

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Kathy Schaner
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found a cute stray several years ago. I feed himand took care of it. Tried to find his family. Then tried to find him a home since he was so sweet. No one wanted him. My husband and I are both allergic to cats. So I finally found a no kill shelter to take him in to adopt out after being checked out. They charged ME a large fee to leave him there. I agree there should be a drop off place that is safe and no fees.

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Lola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he was the one to let the cat get like that, then he should get punished. There would be less crimes against animals if the abusers get the same punishment as they do for committing a crime against another human. It makes me so mad!

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Susan Gibson
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bottom line the cat was neglected and dropped off after hours. He was wrong

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Matt Arias
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Step 1) Find said man in video surveilance Step 2) Determine if cat was said man's pet and if the man caused this problem. Step 3) Take appropriate action.

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Madison E.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The reason why there looking for the man is because dumping animals off like that is actually illegal in some states.

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Cherie
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We do not know the full story. Very happy the cat is healthy and has a forever home. There is a special place in hell for those who neglect and hurt animals.

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glowworm2
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aw! You could barely find Bob under all that matted fur at first. Bob looks like a sweetheart. Thank you for rescuing him from all those tangles.Also, this bit cracked me up: “Once the hair was off, he was walking around. I saw him looking up at the counter thinking, ‘I can jump up there.’ I thought, ‘No you can’t.’

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Audra Granath
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think if he was a good Samaritan he would've brought the cat in during normal business hours instead of abandoning it. If he truly cared about the cat he would've wanted to make sure it was taken care of. I think he was the one who neglected it & then got tired of dealing with it & then abandoned it. Poor thing. No animal deserves that.

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Max L.
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having the hairs not grown onto his head as well, only explanation that left out all is staged, is that somebody applied or submerged the cat into something that actually glued dirt to his body. Which is even worse than the whole story is staged.

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Jerome Goodwin
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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Debbie Williams
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have ZERO sympathies for humans who neglect animals! ... And I agree with the shelter worker - the man who dropped Bob off after hours had no good intentions, he may have neglected Bob or watched it unfold.

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Jean Jenns
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MANY if not most public animal shelters require "surrender fees", that is, payment from the person who surrenders or turns in an animal to the shelter. THIS "fee" (which is often variable depending on WHO is at the front desk that day!) is inhumane and leads to SO MANY pets being dumped out on streets or in the country or after hours at animal shelters. NO ONE should have to pay to turn in a pet. MANY people cannot afford that fee. It hurts the pets the most. JUST a suggestion why the cat may have been left "after hours".

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Marnee DeRider
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One more reason to not breed animals for useless traits like super-short legs, super long fur, etc. House cats are barely domesticated and, as a species, can live in the wild, since they are barely evolved from their wild ancestors. So....we're trying to make them useless creatures, like we did with dogs: Just look at the poor deformed bulldogs that live in misery, animals with snub noses that interfere with breathing, long hair that can end up like this without human interaction, etc. It's disgusting that we do this to other species.

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Sasha Bharti
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Having worked for the rspca in the uk some years ago chances are that the man that dumped it was responsible for the state of the cat's condition, even if he wasn't responsible and took the cat from someone else and dumped it it the person that did that to the cat is now free to do it again and again!!!

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Elina Kuusisto
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A good samaritan brings the cat in during regular hours to tell staff what they know, to be able to follow up on it's progress, and certainly to be sure it's safe and not abandoned in a cold crate it can't even move around in! Hello!

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
5 years ago

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Exactly. I am stunned at how forgiving people are of this creep.

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Grumble O'Pug
Community Member
5 years ago

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I hope they catch the evil SOB. Take responsibility and bring the cat to the vet yourself. I am sure it's either a dying or deceased relative and the cheap shIthead doesn't want to spend a dime. Seriously. This is indefensible: dumping a cat and expecting a charitable organization pay for what you can clearly afford.

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Alusair Alustriel
Community Member
5 years ago

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If the dude didn't have any guild in all this mess, he'd drop off the cat during working hours not in the mid of night. At least he did drop off the cat at a shelter, so not all hope lost. I'm relieved the animal found a loving home. And hope the person responsible for its state get what they deserve... :x

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Leslie Hawley
Community Member
5 years ago

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People get away with animal abuse all the time. All he did was get rid his problem. He deserves a gold metal for neglect and abuse, period.

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Basil
Community Member
5 years ago

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Dreads are not dirty unkempt matted hair like this and naming animals in this way is kind of racist. :/

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Kiahna
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naming an animal Bob Marley isn't racist, it's just a fun name. Haven't you seen Marley and Me?

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Bobert Robertson
Community Member
5 years ago

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Must be a slow day over at bored panda... This is the best you can post?

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