Mustached cat from Hunker takes the cake in Meow Mix ads, international cat shows

Smudge the cat might have a mustache and goatee, but don’t be fooled — she’s a girl.

The black and white cat from Hunker is well-known in Western Pa. and beyond. She has won titles in international cat shows hosted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and most recently appeared in several Meow Mix advertisements.

“(Smudge) just loves going out in the public and meeting people,” owner Dawn Strosko said. “That’s what she lives for.”

The 13-year-old cat has been in Strosko’s life from day one.

Strosko, who volunteers with Animal Keepers Rescue in Mt. Pleasant Township, found Smudge’s pregnant mother on her porch and took the feline in. About a month later, Smudge and her brother were born.

In some ways, Smudge might seem more like a dog than a cat. She does tricks, walks on a leash and dislikes other cats.

While many cats let their curiosity or fears get the best of them, Smudge is a relaxed cat who will happily sit on a table while a judge examines her. This served as an advantage in cat shows, which Smudge began competing in when she was eight months old.

Smudge won first prize in CFA’s household pets division in 2015 and 2016. She was the first cat in this region to win the title of “Grand Household Cat.” The region includes parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia and Kentucky.

Smudge retired from the ring last year. Strosko was surprised when she found out Smudge was making rounds in Meow Mix ads, as the pet food company had filmed Smudge three years ago.

“We had kind of lost hope that we were going to get anything,” Strosko said. “My friend came running over at lunch time and said, ‘Is this Smudge?’ ”

Strosko believes Smudge is a natural in front of the camera. Pet companies want to make ads with “bomb proof” pets — animals who wouldn’t react to a bomb going off.

“Nothing fazes her,” Strosko said. “A firetruck could pass us and she wouldn’t do anything, which makes her good for commercials.”

Smudge now serves as an ambassador for CFA. As ambassador, Smudge is one of the pets children can meet while other cats compete in the show.

CFA was founded in 1906. CFA Household Pets Committee Chairperson Jenny Wickle said the group’s cat shows help people learn more about the uniqueness of cats.

Wickle, from Virginia Beach, has participated in CFA for 12 years and has known Strosko and Smudge for seven.

The “household pets” division, which Smudge won, welcomes household cats without regard to sex, coat length, age or color. Cats in this category cannot be declawed and must be spayed or neutered if they are over eight months old.

In contrast, show dogs never can be spayed or neutered. Wickle believes CFA’s more open requirements for household pets allow more cats to compete.

“We have a lot of coverage for dogs, but we’re trying to raise awareness for cats,” she said.