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This adorable little “blue” cat will surely take the viewers away.
Footage of a blue fur cat left behind at a shelter has gone viral online, with many viewers concerned that the cat’s strange coloring could suggest that it was used as bait in a dog fight ring.
Theo Randall, also known as @manicrandall on TikTok, posted the cute viral video showing the latest find from her Michigan shelter – a cat with light blue fur. Since last week’s release, the video has been viewed over 4.3 million times and liked by over 1.1 million enthusiastic viewers.
“This is Smurf,” writes Randall when Schlumpf shakes his arm and appears to be waving at the camera.
Regarding the song Blue (Da Ba Dee) of the CMD project, Randall claims: “This is how Smurf came to the shelter.” Additional clips show Smurf’s mottled blue and purple tint through which part of his natural ginger fur peeks through.
“We don’t know why Smurf is blue,” continues Randall. “But he seems to be okay with that.” The cat appears to be healthy and normal except for its colored coat.
Thousands took refuge in the comments to say what a unique cat Smurf is. “If I saw a blue cat in an animal shelter, I would adopt it immediately,” said an enthusiastic viewer. “I want to stroke the blue kitten,” added another.
“He didn’t have any injuries so I can’t definitely say it was him” [abused]”Said Megan Sorbara, president of the Naples Cat Alliance in Florida. Smurf the Blue Cat captured the hearts of over 4 million viewers on TikTok, many feared that it was previously used as dog-fighting bait due to the coloration of its fur.
Theo Randall @ manicrandall / TikTok
The overwhelming concern in the comment section, however, was how Smurf’s fur turned blue. As WLWT reported in 2019, cats with colored fur often mean that they are used to baiting dogs in illegal combat circles.
“It is common for dog fighters to take a bunch of kittens, dye them different colors, and then lock them up with a fighting dog and place bets,” the outlet reported.
“It could be blue because people who train dogs for dogfighting may have taken it as bait and dyed it blue. I’m glad it is safe,” feared one spectator. “I think that’s how they mark small animals as targets to train large dogs to fight. So happy you got it before targeting it, ”commented another.
Megan Sorbara, president of the Naples Cat Alliance in Florida, spoke to Newsweek about the frequency of domestic cats being put in dog fight rings.
“I found out about it … a few years ago. There were two kittens that … had magical markings. One was green, the other was purple, ”she explained. “That’s when I first found out about it. [Dog fighters] Apparently, you are betting on which kitten will die first or which will be alive.
“Then we ran into one,” she continued. “It was a cat we picked and found outside, and it was extremely friendly. People’s pets are most at risk because they are easy to handle and grab. This guy was gray and his white areas were tinged purple. Found in an area notorious for dog fighting in Florida … it just made sense that was going on there. “
While Sorbara could not conclusively confirm that the cat was being used as dog fighting bait, she was confident that he had managed to escape a dangerous situation.
“He didn’t have any injuries so I can’t definitely say it was him” [abused]”she told Newsweek.” If you put all the pieces together – where it was found, the dye … and the dye was actually a dye they use for landscaping, so it wasn’t like using hair dye. “
“We put it all together,” added Sorbara. “I can’t really confirm it 100 percent, but when you put all the evidence and evidence together, I’d say he was a lucky cat who managed to get away with it.”
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“Dog fighters use markings to color the white parts of cats and kittens so they can bet which color will die first,” she added on Facebook at the time. “They are ‘color-coded’ and then packs of dogs are thrown while these sick barbarians place their bets. That is cruelty at its worst.”
Some viewers had their doubts that Smurf was in an abusive environment as there were no physical injuries and color differences in his fur.
“If the cat were used as bait, they wouldn’t [have] Missing the eye area on purpose, I’m pretty sure the previous owner thought it was just cute, “one shared.” Lmao yall, it’s not colored as bait, it has a soft gradient from turquoise to purple, this bad boy has his Hair dyed professionally, “suggested another.
Steve Kelso, Kent County’s Health Department marketing and communications manager, confirmed to Newsweek that Smurf presented himself with no injuries and was believed not to have participated in a dog fight group.
“He looks so super healthy,” he said. “We have a full-time vet over there, they took a look at the cat. There is no physical abuse or harm other than the cat died. This cat is so well adapted to people it’s hard to believe.” this was part of it. ” this cat’s life.
“I went over [to the shelter] and I held that cat for about 15 minutes, ”added Kelso. “He was the cutest and most docile cat. We had never met before and this cat sat in my arms for about 15 minutes, just scratching its head. “
A follow-up video posted by Randall also confirms that Smurf likely wasn’t involved in any violent fighting rings. “Thanks for everyone’s concern, but Smurf is NOT a dog fighter bait cat,” they write overlay, while Schlumpf is happy about some head scratches.
“[Smurf’s] The owner contacted us to let us know he had a home before, ”they continue. “It has been professionally dyed with what is believed to be a pet safe dye.
“The owner has a week to get it and unfortunately she never showed up when she said she would,” adds Randall. “Schlumpf does not understand why he was not claimed but has been adopted by a loving family in our area.”
Randall’s local animal shelter also notified followers on Facebook that Smurf was ready for adoption. “Introducing … Smurf! He’s a happy, playful young party animal! Smurf was found with his hair already dyed blue when he went into a shop. Come and meet him and our other great cats!” posted the shelter.
On Friday, Kelso announced to Newsweek that Schlumpf has found his new home forever.
“The cat was adopted this morning!” Kelso announced to Newsweek on Friday. “Smurf is moving into a new home … He was such a little sweetheart!”
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Sorbara also told Newsweek that anyone who finds a cat they suspect may be involved in a dog fight ring should contact the appropriate authorities.
“When you see something, say something,” she said. “I would definitely reach out to anyone who deals with pets in this area, be it the sheriff’s department or his own office, and express their concerns about what they know about painted animals.
“If you find an animal, bring it with you so it can be microchipped,” she added. “If the animal is a missing or stolen animal, which is confirmed by the microchip, it also indicates that the cat was picked up for nefarious purposes. I would ask animal services for help.”
Kelso also reminded Newsweek of the importance of having pets neutered and neutered. “We just have a cat explosion and it’s actually becoming a nationwide problem.
“During the pandemic here in Michigan, many vets were ordered by ordinances that forbid anything but life-saving surgery or humane euthanasia. In our shelter … we could only get 600 [procedures]. It’s an exponential problem. “
Newsweek reached out to Randall for additional comments on the situation but did not hear in time for the release.
In February stray dogs were photographed roaming the streets with blue fur in Russia. It was later reported that their unique coloring could be due to skin irritation and internal bleeding from contact with toxic or harmful chemicals in the area.
Updated 7/16/2021, 3:00 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include testimony to Newsweek from Steve Kelso, Kent County’s Department of Health Marketing and Communications Manager.
