(With Updates) Sinbad the Survivor: Cat Found With 5 Pounds Of Matted Fur

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January 2017 not only rang in a new year but a new chance at life for a small cat in Chicago, Illinois. A utility worker in the city stumbled upon a shocking discovery in the basement of an elderly mans home. She was heartbroken to find a filthy cat, severely neglected and barely surviving in the location. He was a sweet Persian boy named Sinbad the Survivor.

She photographed the animal and contacted the Chicago Anti-Cruelty Society right away.

Investigators were called in and removed a 12 pound white male Persian cat from the abusive conditions.

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

He was COVERED in 5 pounds of matted fur, malnourished and as a result, so weak he was barely able to walk. It took dedicated groomers 2 sessions to de-tangle and trim poor Sinbad’s fur while he was sedated.

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

The team then began the slow process of helping him eat again and get back to a healthy weight. Luckily there was an experienced volunteer with special skills. And they were able to get Sinbad eating on his own after only about a week!

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

Once the lucky cat was feeling better, Elliott Serrano, the education manager at the shelter, stepped in to foster him until adopters could be found. The now loving feline sat on Elliott’s chest, subsequently purring and chirping his way into his heart.

What happened next is our favorite part of rescue stories – Elliott fell completely under Sinbad’s spell during their first weekend together and FOSTER FAILED!

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

Sinbad the Survivor UPDATE 2018

After “shedding” 5 lbs of matted fur, he’s loving his new life-style!

According to Serrano, “Sinbad is doing quite well! For a while I was concerned that he would never be able to jump into bed without using pet stairs, because when I first brought him home his rear legs were weak and a bit atrophied. But he’s shown to be perfectly capable of jumping into bed and onto my dining room table.”

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

Sinbad has the purrfect spot in his furever home to sunbathe. The kitchen table is next to a large picture window, and allows the sunbeams to stream in.

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

He greets his rescuer each day with cuddles, just like during his first days as a foster.

The family has had to “work to get him accustomed to getting brushed. He can be very fussy about it. His favorite brush is a pink beauty brush that is good for working through tangles, but he loves the massage it gives him.”

Photo: @sinbadthesurvivor

He gets along really well with the cats at the office, and has even shared his bed with a dog. Maybe Sinbad the survivor will have a new friend in the house? Only time will tell! Follow him on Instagram for all daily…smiles? =)