They saved a cat with a glorious mane and a gentle heart, giving him the good life he always wanted. BestFriendsFelinesFor most of his life, Hetfield the Maine Coon lived with constant discomfort, yet he never lost his gentle nature.When he arrived at Best Friends Felines in search of a second chance, he instantly captured the hearts of everyone there. The gentle giant had an eye condition called entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the eye. His mouth was also severely inflamed, making eating a daily struggle.Without hesitation, the rescue team stepped in and created a plan to give Hetfield the relief and care he so deserved. BestFriendsFelines"He has the roar, the mane, and the personality of a frontman. Just like his famous namesake, Hetfield is loud, affectionate, and happily yells for your attention. This lovable lion of a cat is so ready to rock a pain-free life," the rescue shared.His road to recovery began with eyelid surgery and a long-overdue spa day. He underwent surgery and came out the other side victoriousBestFriendsFelinesThrough it all, the gentle cat with the glorious mane never stopped purring. Before surgery, the veterinary team discovered that Hetfield also had a heart condition, thankfully one that is manageable with proper care. He woke up from the procedure like a brand-new cat, freshly groomed and finally free from eye pain.He chatted away with his mighty meow, as if thanking his people for helping him. BestFriendsFelines"Every great rockstar has a story of overcoming adversity. Hetfield has just smashed through his first big hurdle. After living with poor sight for so long, he's now rediscovering the world with brand-new eyes, and they're as stunning as his spirit."He is receiving treatment for an infection affecting his teeth and gums, taking everything in stride. He can now open his eyes and see the worldBestFriendsFelines"He has never been one to back down from a fight. This boy has fought through more challenges in two years than most cats face in a lifetime."Hetfield is a gentle soul with a heart of gold, and he seems grateful for everything he's been given. "He greets each day with joy, gratitude, and a resilience that leaves us in awe. He knows he is safe and loved, and he shows it through headbutts, purrs, and his goofy ginger charm." BestFriendsFelinesHetfield's calming presence brings comfort to the kittens who race around the house like tiny whirlwinds. They love curling up beside him, drawn to his gentle nature, falling asleep to the rhythm of his soothing purrs."Through every challenge, Hetfield has done what he does best: kept living, kept loving, and kept showing us what a 'perfectly imperfect' cat can become with the right care." BestFriendsFelinesNow that he's finally living the good life, his personality is shining through. He has proudly taken on the role of shoe detective, carefully inspecting where his humans have been and what adventures they might have had. His magnificent coat is growing back, and he struts through the house with his bushy tail held high."Hetfield is one of many cats who prove that every minute, every treatment, every dollar is worth it." BestFriendsFelinesWith a second chance, Hetfield has defied the odds and is truly thriving. He lives each day to the fullest, and his love for people has only grown stronger.His signature loud meows echo wherever he goes, and the house hums with the rumble of his purrs. BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Hetfield and Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: Stray Cat Comes Up to People Asking for Attention, Now He's a 'Giant Bear' Obsessed with Face Rubs