Smurf, the Abused Kitten that Was Dyed Purple and Abandoned, Makes a Full Recovery

Remember the abused kitten that was dyed purple and abandoned in a box on the side of a Northern California road? Well, after about two months of much-needed recovery, the little fluff ball that stole the Internet's heart is hardly recognizable.

His silvery fur has grown back, and his wounds are fully healed. Aside from his name, Smurf, the only remnants of his former purple coloring are small marks around his elbows and ears.

Smurf rose to Internet fame after animal rescue organization 9 Lives Foundation posted heartbreaking photos of the injured and emaciated kitten on its Facebook page. Smurf had been found in a box with a 105 degree temperature and would go on to need surgery, stitches and a slew of antibiotics to cure infections.

Fortunately, it looks like he got the help he needed.

Smurf has been adopted by a veterinarian who was caring for him shortly after he began recovering. In case you're wondering, the vet also adopted Wanda, a blind kitten that Smurf had befriended once he got to the animal shelter. Both felines showed signs of abuse and bonded quickly, the organization said on its Facebook page at the time.

This was them a few months ago:

Smurf with his friend Wanda, another kitten at the shelter.

                                                 Best friends for life.

According to the Smurf and Wanda Facebook page, Smurf often helps Wanda navigate the world.

TLC has made a world of difference for these two resilient felines. You can follow their adventures on Smurf and Wanda, a Facebook page Smurf and Wanda's owner has set up.

You may be interested in reading the initial post that I posed about Smurf:

Back on January 1, 2016, I posted a story about a 2-month-old kitten that was dyed purple. You can read that post here: Two-Month-Old Kitten Dyed Purple and Used as a Chew Toy for a Dog

You may also be interested in reading: Remember the Kittenthat Was Dyed Purple? He Has Befriended Wanda, a Blind Kitten that Also Residesat the Shelter

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Remember the Kitten that Was Dyed Purple? He Has Befriended Wanda, a Blind Kitten that Also Resides at the Shelter

Back on January 1, 2016, I posted a story about a 2-month-old kitten that was dyed purple. You can read that post here:

Two-Month-Old Kitten Dyed Purple and Used as a Chew Toy fora Dog

He was named Smurf, and is now the Internet’s latest animal inspiration.

At just 1.75 pounds, the tiny cat was found in a box on the side of the road running a temperature of 105. Smurf, who was brought to the San Jose Animal Care Center and taken to the Nine Lives Foundation in Redwood City, California to recover, had been dyed purple and showed apparent signs of abuse in the form of bite wounds and gashes.

"I believe that, for someone's amusement, this kitten was used as a chew toy for their dog,” Dr. Monica Rudiger of the Nine Lives Foundation told ABC News.

Though Smurf has experienced an extremely difficult few weeks, he’s not letting his journey discourage him. It's clear that this small kitten has a big personality, which he has used to befriend Wanda, a blind kitten that also resides at the shelter.

The resilient felines have developed a touching bond, which includes giving each other body massages and baths. In fact, the foundation shared that Wanda has even taken on a purple hue from snuggling with Smurf. Talk about a purr-fect pair!

While Rudiger appreciates that Smurf’s tale of survival going is going viral, she shared with CNN, “...I hope the message is long-lasting that animal cruelty is real and this is just one guy who's experienced it.”

                                             Smurf the cat with doctors.

A good Sunday morning to everyone! SMURF is bright eyed today & eating like a champ! SMURF and his blind roommate WANDA...
Posted by Nine Lives Foundation on Sunday, January 3, 2016

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Two-Month-Old Kitten Dyed Purple and Used as a Chew Toy for a Dog

A two-month-old purple kitten who suffered from multiple deep wounds was brought to a California animal shelter this week.

The kitten, later nicknamed Smurf because of his dyed bluish fur, was discovered by a rescuer in a box on Monterey Road and then taken to the San Jose Animal Shelter, according to San Jose Mercury News.

Rather than euthanizing Smurf, the shelter called a no kill Shelter called Nine Lives. Nine Live is dedicated to finding homes for injured cats and Smurf definitely qualified.

Employees at the Nine Lives Foundation say that Smurf was dyed a purple color by his owner and that he may have been used as a chew toy for a dog.

“I can only imagine why someone would dye him purple,” said Monica Rudiger, founder of Nine Lives Foundation.

“I think there are people who find it amusing to take small, innocent animals and use them as play toys.”

Rudiger said that the cat is lucky to be alive.

Sometimes kittens are used as live bait for dogs that are training to fight, according to The DoDo.

“I don't know what happened to him, but my best guess is that he was used as a chew toy. We have a cat with multiple puncture wounds and abrasions,” Rudiger told The Dodo.

“He can't tell us what happened to him, but I've seen this before. I've seen kittens be used as bait and chew toys for other animals. It makes sense to me.”

Rudiger said that her foundation doesn’t offer free kittens on their website in order to prevent them from being abused.

She's not sure Smurf will ever fully heal.

“We'll never get that purple dye out of him. He's been shaved and he's still purple. It's so deep; it’s probably undiluted garment dye,' said Rudiger. 'I hope it ends well for him, but he seems to be doing really well.”

After Smurf's rescue became public, several people have expressed interest in adopting the one pound, 10 ounce kitten with big green eyes. Though, Smurf will not be ready for adoption for a few months more until he is fully healed.

Abandoned: A two-month-old purple kitten who suffered from multiple deep wounds was brought to a California animal shelter this week. Employees at a California shelter say he may have been used as a chew toy.

Rather than euthanizing Smurf, the shelter called a different no kill Shelter called Nine Lives which is dedicated to finding homes for injured cats.

Safe place: Rudiger said that the cat is lucky to be alive. Sometimes kittens are used as live bait for dogs that are training to fight. A few people want to adopt Smurf but will not be able to do so until he is healed.

Lucky rescue: Smurf was found in a box along the side of the road and brought to a shelter who called Nine Lives.

Forever purple: “We'll never get that purple dye out of him. He's been shaved and he's still purple. It's so deep; it’s probably undiluted garment dye,” said Rudiger.

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