A tiny kitten with bright purple fur became an online favorite after he was rescued and nursed back to health. Smurf’s story has a difficult beginning, but the part people remember is his recovery, his new friends and the grey coat that slowly grew back. Here is what rescuers reported.
A Kitten Found With Purple Fur
According to reports, Smurf was less than two months old when he was left at a shelter in California. Staff quickly noticed that his fur had been dyed purple, and it was clear he needed specialized care. The shelter contacted the Nine Lives Foundation, a rescue organization that helps cats who have been mistreated.
What the Veterinarian Found
Veterinarian Monica Rudiger told The Dodo that Smurf’s injuries suggested he had been badly mistreated, and that she had seen similar cases before. After his fur was shaved for treatment, more injuries became visible. The rescue team treated his wounds and began his recovery. Because Smurf can’t explain what happened to him, rescuers could only draw conclusions from the veterinary findings.
A Friend Named Wanda
Soon after he arrived, Smurf was placed in the same cage as Wanda, a blind cat who had been found abandoned beside a garbage bin. The two got along immediately and became inseparable, according to the rescue.
His Fur Grows Back
At first, rescuers feared Smurf might stay purple. But after about three months, his natural grey fur began to grow back, and he turned into a handsome grey kitten.
A later update from the rescue said Smurf was playing with two new friends and feeling much better. It added that he was due for surgery to repair a larger wound on one leg, that his other wounds were healing well and that he and a friend named Cherry would go into foster care together.
What the Reports Don’t Tell Us
Some details remain unknown:
- The reports don’t say who left Smurf at the shelter or how the dye was applied, and they don’t mention any arrests or charges.
- The most recent update available describes his progress before surgery. It doesn’t say how his recovery ended or where he lives now.
- The story names two companions, Wanda and Cherry, at different points, so the exact timeline of his friendships isn’t clear.
Why Dyeing Pets Is Risky
Human hair dye and craft dyes can irritate a pet’s skin and be toxic if swallowed, since animals groom themselves. Veterinarians generally advise against coloring a pet’s fur at all, and young kittens are especially vulnerable. Pets can’t consent to cosmetic changes, and the stress of the process can harm them. If you want to celebrate your pet creatively, there are safe alternatives like costumes, bandanas or photo shoots.
How to Protect Pets and Help Animals in Need
- Adopt responsibly. Choose reputable shelters or rescues, and avoid giving away or accepting animals through anonymous online listings without proper screening.
- Spay, neuter and microchip. A pet microchip helps identify your animal, and low-cost spay and neuter programs reduce unwanted litters.
- Report suspected cruelty. Contact local animal control, a humane society or the police if you suspect an animal is being mistreated.
- Keep pets supervised. Don’t leave kittens or small animals with people you don’t know well.
- Plan for vet costs. Pet insurance for cats can help with unexpected bills.
Supporting Rescue Cats
If Smurf’s story moved you, here are ways to help animals like him:
- Donate. Compare cat rescue donations, animal shelter charities and animal welfare organizations.
- Foster or adopt. Look into kitten fostering and cat adoption near you.
- Gift supplies. Shelters often welcome cat food, cat beds, kitten supplies and litter.
- Volunteer. Many shelters need help with cleaning, socializing and transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Smurf? A kitten rescued in California after being found with purple-dyed fur, who became popular online during his recovery.
Who cared for him? The Nine Lives Foundation, a rescue group that helps mistreated cats.
Did his fur return to normal? Yes. According to reports, grey fur grew back after about three months.
Is it safe to dye a pet’s fur? Veterinarians generally advise against it, since dyes can irritate the skin and be harmful if licked.
Sources: The Dodo, Nine Lives Foundation
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