A tabby cat from Heamoor in Cornwall has become an internet sensation after returning home with a startling bright blue coat following an uninvited visit to a neighbour's gender-reveal party.
Blue Cat Mystery Solved on Social Media
Wilbur, a female cat despite her name, usually sports an elegant grey, black, and white coat. Her owners were shocked when she appeared with vibrant blue fur after an England World Cup game. Sophie Jenkin, a GP admin worker, said: 'We were all cheering and celebrating and then my brother said: Sophie, why is your cat blue? I thought: Oh my god, someone's thrown paint at her.'
Jenkin posted a photo on the Heamoor Facebook page, jokingly asking if anyone knew what happened. Responses ranged from laughter to concern about toxicity. The mystery was solved when neighbour Hollie Jenkinson revealed she had held a gender-reveal party using cornstarch mixed with blue dye.
Cat's Peculiar Rolling Habit Saved Her Face
Jenkin believes Wilbur avoided getting dye on her face because she rolls on her back. 'And she does a weird thing with her head when she's rolling so it must have missed her face. We have not stopped laughing since. It's so funny.' Removing the dye proved challenging; Jenkin said, 'I had to keep washing and washing her. The blue wouldn't come out. She's still got a tiny stain but she's OK.'
Jenkinson explained the gender-reveal involved children kicking footballs filled with blue cornstarch. Hours later, she saw the Facebook post and realised Wilbur had rolled in the leftover powder. 'It seems to have entertained so many people and this has definitely brought the neighbours on the street closer,' she said.
Veterinary Advice on Unusual Pet Encounters
Izzy Hocking, senior veterinary engagement manager at Cats Protection, commented: 'While it must have been quite alarming for Wilbur's owners to see him come home bright blue, cornstarch coloured with standard food dye is unlikely to cause significant harm in most cases.' She praised the owners for identifying the substance and washing it off immediately to prevent ingestion. Hocking advised pet owners in similar situations to identify the product, wrap the pet in a towel, and contact a vet for guidance.
