The blue smurf cat is a viral meme that has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The creature looks like a mix of a smurf, a cat, and a mushroom, and is often referred to as Shailushai or Шайлушай. The hashtag smurfcat has over 691.9 million views on TikTok, with the Russian hashtag #шайлушай having an additional 443.1 million views. The creature was created by artist Nate Hallinan in 2014, who wondered what Smurfs would look like if they were real. The original image was titled "Smurf Sighting" and was a Photoshop art piece. The blue color of the smurf cat is due to a naturally occurring genetic mutation that causes a pigmentation disorder known as congenital methemoglobinemia. This condition results in higher levels of methemoglobin, which lacks oxygen-carrying capability, giving the cats fur a striking blue hue. Apart from their alluring coat, smurf cats are known for their affectionate and playful nature.