'Playful' Kitten Recovering After Being Dyed Pink and Reportedly Washed with Household Cleaners

A neon pink kitten is preparing for a bright future at the Oregon Humane Society (OHS).

According to Laura Klink, OHS's public information manager, the cat arrived at the shelter in December after one of the pet's caretakers "was arrested following an animal abuse investigation conducted by Oregon Humane Society humane special agents and Portland Police Bureau officers."

"Multnomah County Animal Services also responded to the case, took possession of the animal, and then transferred it to OHS to be held as evidence. The pink dye on the kitten's fur was a coincidence and not related to reported abuse," Klink tells PEOPLE.

Before authorities took possession of the kitten, the cat's owner reportedly brought the pet to an animal hospital after washing it with household cleaners.

"The kitten was initially taken to a local emergency veterinary hospital where he was in shock and barely responsive. The owner told veterinarians at the hospital that the kitten had diarrhea and tried to clean the kitten with a mixture containing various household cleaners," Klink says.

The male kitten is now recovering at OHS, where he is "doing well and receiving care in an experienced foster home," per Klink.

The OHS employee added that the feline is still sporting the vibrant pink shade he arrived with and will likely stay pink for some time.

"The hair dye is unlikely to fade but will slowly shed out over time and be replaced by the kitten's natural fur," Klink says, adding that pet owners should always consult their veterinarian before attempting to dye an animal.

"There are some dyes that claim to be pet safe, but even these can cause rare immune responses in some animals. It’s really not worth the risk."

Kink also notes that cats are "fastidious creatures" with grooming routines, which means they rarely need to be cleaned by their owners. Cat parents who need to wash their cats due to a mess should "be sure to use a pet-safe shampoo that is recommended by your family veterinarian."

"In a pinch, Dawn dishwashing liquid is usually safe, but make sure not to get it in your pet's eyes, ears, or mouth. Please don't use a shampoo formulated for humans as these are often too drying for their skin or, in rare cases, can be toxic to pets. Your animals groom themselves with their mouths, so consider that whatever you put on their fur could be ingested," she says.

OHS's new pink resident has received plenty of attention but is unavailable for adoption. Klink says the kitten will not be available for adoption until their owner's case "is adjudicated, the owner surrenders the kitten, or there is a pre-trial forfeiture."

Until then, the kitten will continue living in a foster home and focusing on "normal kitten behaviors."

"He is very playful," Klink says.

She adds that the kitten's rescue and recovery were made possible by "multiple agencies working together. In this specific case, the Oregon Humane Society would like to thank the Portland Police Bureau and Multnomah Country Animal Services."