Purple 'smurf' kitten rescued after being used as a chew toy

"I've seen a lot of animals used as bait for other animals, it looks to me like he was used as a chew toy", said Monica Rudiger with the Redwood City shelter to local news outlets. "He obviously wasn't killed by the dog or whatever animal it was but he was pretty badly injured".

Smurf cuddles up in his new blanket after rescuers give him the TLC he needs.

When Smurf checked in, he only weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces. He was up and playing with his two new kitty friends at the shelter, who just adore him. He'll undergo surgery next week. "He's making quick friends with Cherry", another cat and they will placed in foster care next week together.

Smurf received a full body shave, multiple baths, wound care, and antibiotic treatment.

"He's a strong little guy", Rudiger said. Despite his injuries, veterinarians said he is healing well and could be put up for adoption in the future. The kitten was rescued from the San Jose Animal Care Center and transported to Nine Lives for medical care.

Nine Lives Foundation technician Michelle Cavin holds Smurf, an 8-week old kitten covered with deep wounds and indigo fabric dye who was rescued and brought to the Nine Lives Foundation in Redwood City, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015.