This cat was covered in FIVE POUNDS of matted fur before he was rescued

A cat brought in to rescue workers was covered in so much matted fur that he looked like he was dragging a CARPET behind him.

Persian moggy Sinbad was discovered in the home of an elderly man who was no longer able to care for him, so he was taken to the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago for some much-needed help.

But no matter what staff had seen in the past, they weren’t prepared to see nine-year-old Sinbad covered in a staggering five pounds of fur – more than HALF of his body weight.

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Sinbad was in such a bad condition that he could hardly move, and did not appear to show any appetite.

However, staff worked hard to carefully shave the fur from Sinbad’s body – revealing a much smaller cat underneath.

Rescue centre worker Elliott Serrano told Love Meow: “He was so tolerant and sweet during the grooming which was gruelling. It took hours.

“Once free of the mats he just wanted to lie down on somebody’s lap or in his bed.

“We had to force feed him for a bit to make sure his digestive system would keep working and not hurt his kidneys.”

Elliott took Sinbad home with him and despite initially being temporary, the pair are now living together permanently.

His new human added: “I’m just astounded at how he just loves people, even though people haven’t always treated him very well.

”It’s a lesson we could all learn.”

Top pic: Facebook/Anti-Cruelty Society