Timmins and District Humane Society manager Lynn Michaud holds up Mr. Fuddles, a stray cat who recently had to undergo intense shaving after he came to the shelter with one of the worst cases of matting the organization has ever seen. (CHELSEY ROMAIN/QMI Agency)

TIMMINS, Ont. - Mr. Fuddles is feeling a little lighter these days after a much-needed haircut.

The adult cat was taken to the Timmins and District Humane Society Tuesday with so much matted fur, staff had no choice but to shave him.

The persian-type cat had one mat about six-by-three inches in size and pulled him to the right, making it difficult for Mr. Fuddles to stand upright. When he was brought in, he weighed about eight pounds and was a pound and half lighter once the matted hair was removed.

Removing the fur was a job that eventually took three staff members two and a half hours to complete.

Shelter manager Lynn Michaud said it was one of the worst cases of matting she'd ever seen.

"We were horrified," she said. "Every inch of his body was covered and there were patches where the fur had already fallen off or was torn off."

Mr. Fuddles was also emaciated and dehydrated, Michaud said.

But by Friday Mr. Fuddles was fully alert after days of apprehension around people. He was eager to cuddle up to nearest person.

"During the whole thing he never once showed any aggression," said Michaud.

"He's so sweet and just wants to be held."