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Man Discovers Matted Stray Cat on His Walk—Shock at What Microchip Reveals

Man Discovers Matted Stray Cat on His Walk—Shock at What Microchip Reveals

Newsweek06-05-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
When Mehdi G of Washington noticed an extremely matted cat on his walk, he knew he couldn't leave her, but he wasn't prepared for what the microchip revealed a day later.
In his Reddit post to the subreddit channel r/cats last week, Mehdi G explained he took the dirty and matted cat home. With her clumpy-looking fur, he tried his best to cut off as much as he could. Matted fur can be extremely painful for cats, leading to bruising or skin irritation. It also prevents airflow to the skin and could trap in dirt, bacteria or parasites, an article from The Spruce Pets reported.
Mehdi G then bathed the cat and booked an appointment at the vet for the next day. He offered her food and water, which she ate before sleeping. He wanted to make her feel as comfortable as possible until he received answers.
Much to his surprise, the cat was microchipped with a registration dating back to 2010, which puts her at an age of at least 15, he told Newsweek via Reddit messenger. The office got in touch with the cat's previous owner, but she was no longer in the area.
"She said that she moved away 10 years ago and gave the cat to someone to take care of her, but doesn't remember who," he said. "She was very upset that her cat was in this bad condition."
With her blessing to keep the cat, whom he named Lil Bit, Mehdi G gained a new pet.
Lil Bit received her treatments and vaccinations at the vet before heading home to a warm, snuggly place to call her forever.
Photos from a Reddit post of an extremely matted cat a man found while on his walk, which he took in to get help.
Photos from a Reddit post of an extremely matted cat a man found while on his walk, which he took in to get help.
dentei3/Reddit
Since bringing her into his care, he said Lil Bit has been doing great. She's "very sweet and cuddly." She's catching up on much-needed rest, which he sets her up in a pile of blankets, or she'll sleep right in his lap.
He updated Reddit users that he got her a collar with her name. Lil Bit not only has a new friend in Mehdi G, but also with his other cat, who is a senior too.
Within a week, the Reddit post amassed over 4,900 upvotes and 271 comments. People applauded his selflessness for coming to the cat's aid.
"You didn't find that cat on your walk. That cat found you," said a viewer, while a second echoed: "You are an angel, take good care of her."
Another added: "Faith in humanity restored for today!"
A photo of a rescue cat, Lil Bit, sleeping in her new home after a man found her during his walk.
A photo of a rescue cat, Lil Bit, sleeping in her new home after a man found her during his walk.
Courtesy of Mehdi G
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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