Meet Smudge: The Tuxedo Cat Behind Elusive Mouse Gifts

Introducing Smudge - The Original

Before there was a cast of characters, there was Smudge. Sharp-eyed, confident, and slightly amused by the world, Smudge is the tuxedo cat who inspired everything you see across Elusive Mouse Gifts.

He’s elegant but never aloof. Observant, but not above a playful chase. And while he now appears in many disguises, the real Smudge still makes his mark - in the details, the posture, and the unblinking stare that started it all.

The Inspiration

Smudge wasn’t based on any one cat. He simply arrived - fully formed, calm, and observant. A tuxedo coat, a steady gaze, and a hint of knowing mischief. It was as if he’d been waiting in the wings, ready to take his place.

From the moment we met him, it was clear: Smudge wasn’t just a design. He was the beginning. A quiet constant behind every product, every disguise, and every mousehole watched from the corner of the room.

The Look

• Black-and-white tuxedo fur - crisp, classic, unbothered
• Bright green eyes - always watching, always a little amused
• A red collar with a gold tag - just enough sparkle to suggest he knows he’s important

There’s a reason he appears across every collection, even in disguise - you’ll still find the shape of Smudge behind each character.

Smudge in the Wild

You’ll find him in his purest form on select mugs, cards and cushions - unadorned, uncostumed, unmistakable. But he also stars in every disguise:

• Mr Cat - tidy, thoughtful, quiet
• Mrs Cat - precise, poised, and never fooled
• Freddie - bold, brash, and heavily accessorised
• Alfred - ever the gentleman, monocle in place

These aren’t separate cats. They’re all Smudge. Just... dressed for the occasion.

Want to Bring Smudge Home?

Whether you’re team “original tuxedo” or you’ve fallen for one of his many personas, Smudge adds a quiet spark to everything he touches.

Unbothered. Unmistakable. The cat who sees everything - and says nothing.

🛒 Explore the full Smudge Cat Collection and meet the illustrated cat who started it all.