A peculiar case at a local animal shelter has caught the attention of millions online: a kitten named Smurf with bright blue fur. Initial speculation by TikTok users suggested that Smurf might have been a victim of dogfighting, used as bait, but fortunately, this wasn’t true. Instead, Smurf’s story is simply about an unusually dyed, incredibly cute kitten.
Theo Randall, known as @manicrandall on TikTok, shared a video introducing Smurf, explaining that the kitten arrived at the shelter with his natural ginger fur dyed blue.
“We do not know why Smurf is blue, but he seems okay with it,” Randall commented in the video.
Smurf’s fur isn’t just blue; it’s a mix of blue, green, and indigo patches, suggesting an uneven home dye job rather than a professional one.
“[Smurf’s] owner has contacted us, so we know that he previously had a home,” Randall said. “He was professionally dyed with what is likely pet-safe dye.”
Despite his unusual appearance, Smurf quickly became a favorite among viewers for his cuteness. Concerns were raised by some who believed Smurf’s coloring indicated he had been used as bait in dogfighting. The Animal Rescue site states that cats marked with vibrant colors are sometimes used in this cruel practice, with their dyed fur used for identification during betting.
However, Steve Kelso, Marketing and Communication Manager for the Kent County Health Department, assured Newsweek that there was no evidence Smurf had been involved in dog fighting, as he had no injuries upon arrival. The shelter’s vet confirmed Smurf’s good health, and Randall reiterated this to concerned viewers.
“Thanks for everyone’s concern, but Smurf is NOT a dogfighting bait cat,” Randall clarified.
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Though Smurf didn’t come from an abusive environment, he still needed a new home. Randall explained that the previous owner had a week to reclaim him but never showed up. Fortunately, Smurf was soon adopted by a loving family from the Kent County Animal Shelter, ensuring a happy ending for the little blue kitten.
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