Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Amazing Hero Cats That Saved Lives (With Pictures)

Superhero cat adorable

It’s not every day that you hear stories of animal heroism, but it’s much more common than you might think. Many people think of dogs as heroes, and they’re not wrong. Dogs often save lives in their daily work, such as in search and rescue, but what about cats?

Cats are the less likely heroes in society, but they show true bravery and selflessness to save the lives of both their fellow animals and humans. This article celebrates the amazing hero cats that saved lives by overcoming great obstacles or putting themselves in danger to keep their loved ones safe.

divider cats oct 2024

The 6 Hero Cats That Saved Lives

1. Masha by Youtube

Masha is hailed as a hero in her native city of Obninsk, Russia, and around the world for her actions which undoubtedly saved the life of a newborn baby. Passers-by discovered Masha after her loud, unwavering cries led listeners to a cardboard box where she sat, curled gently around an abandoned baby boy. Masha kept the tiny baby, who survived the ordeal, warm and alive with her long fur.

Masha cared about the child so much that she even tried to follow the car when officials took the baby to a local hospital! The locals praised the street cat as a hero, and she received some well-deserved treats and affection.


2. Scarlett by Youtube

Scarlett, the cat, demonstrated incredible bravery and sacrifice by repeatedly running back into a house that was fully ablaze to save her precious babies. The terrified mom ran back and forth into the burning home in Brooklyn, carrying all her kittens to safety.

The kittens survived relatively unharmed, but Scarlett suffered horrific burns to most of her body, including her face. Luckily, she thrived and lived a happy life until she died in 2008, aged 13.


3. Tiger by Youtube

Tiger earned her stripes by saving her 97-year-old owner from a dog attack. Four Pitt Bull Terriers encircled the woman and began to bite, but Tiger ran into the circle and taunted the dogs, so they chased her instead and left the elderly lady alone. Both Tiger and her owner were unharmed, save for some minor wounds.


4. Rusty by Youtube

Rusty, the adopted cat, saved his owner’s life by jumping on her chest and meowing into her face so earnestly that she instantly knew something was wrong. Thinking she had indigestion, Rusty’s owner tried to lie down and go to bed, but Rusty wouldn’t let her. Upon seeking medical attention, his owner discovered she’d suffered a heart attack that could have been fatal if not treated.


5. Sally by Youtube

Sally, the cat, saved her owner from almost certain death after his house was fully enveloped in flames. Sally had jumped onto his head and screamed in his face until he woke, and he instantly smelled smoke. He grabbed the cat, and they both escaped with their lives, but his home was destroyed in the blaze.


6. Opie by Youtube

Opie, the cat, inadvertently became a hero after he blocked a stray bullet from hitting a three-year-old toddler in Pennsylvania. Opie was sleeping near the child, which he often did as he adored the boy, and was shot in the head after a bullet crashed through the window. The bullet was on a trajectory to hit the toddler, so Opie is hailed a lifesaver by his family.

divider cats oct 2024

Conclusion

These stories of feline heroism are from around the world, showing how much our cats care about us. The heroics of cats come in many shapes and forms, with some seeming to be present even in kittens. No matter their background or previous experiences with humans, these cats all used their smarts and brave hearts to save their owners and families from life-threatening situations. There’s nothing more heroic than that!

Sources
 

Featured Image Credit: Anton27, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Birman vs Ragdoll: The Differences (With Pictures)

The Birman and Ragdoll breeds are often confused with one another due to their similar appearances. Both have long hair and gorgeous blue...

Are Cats Allowed in PetSmart? 2025 Pet Policies

As a cat owner, you may have wondered whether it’s permissible to bring your feline friend along when you visit your local PetSmart...

What Is the Impact of Cats on Local Wildlife? Statistics & Protection Tips

Did you know that cats have contributed to the extinction of over 60 species of wild birds, mammals, and reptiles?1 Unfortunately, it’s true,...

Oriental Shorthair Cat Health Problems: 12 Vet-Reviewed Issues

The Oriental Shorthair cat is known for its unique appearance. They have a triangular head, almond-shaped eyes, large and erect ears, elegant coats,...

More related

How Do Cats Perceive Time? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info

If you own a cat, you know that they have an amazing sense of time, especially when they wake you up every morning...

10 Best Cat Feather Wand Toys in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Out of all the cat toys, feather wands are probably among the most entertaining! Cats love feathers, and there is hardly anything more...

Littermate Syndrome in Cats: Vet-Reviewed Signs, Causes & Care

If you want to add a new cat to your family, you might wonder whether two kitties are better than one. When adopting...

Is Ajax Dish Soap Safe for Cats? Recommendations & Alternatives

Dish soap as a grooming tool is not new to the world of at-home pet grooming. It’s often touted as a quick at-home...

Keep reading

How to Tell if My Cat Still Has Kittens Inside: 10 Vet-Reviewed Signs

If your cat is pregnant, you want the birthing process to go smoothly. As your soon-to-be mother cat prepares to give birth, she’ll be restless and vocal, groom herself excessively around her vulva, pant more, and eat less. She’ll also...

tabby mother cat feeding her kittens

How Long Does It Take a Domestic Cat to Go Feral? Vet-Reviewed Facts

If you’ve ever had a pet cat that’s gotten lost or stolen, you may wonder what became of them. Did they find a community of other cats and become feral? Are they living happily with another family somewhere? While we...

feral cat with ear tip clipped

Cats on Roombas: A Strange Relationship Explained (Vet-Verified)

Cats make great companions, are playful, and often engage in strange behaviors, such as riding on a Roomba, which is an automatic indoor vacuum. If your cat does this and you would like to know more about this behavior, why...

orange cat riding a roomba or robotic vacuum

Why Do Cats Scratch Furniture? 3 Possible Reasons & Solutions

Cats seem to have a vendetta against furniture. Why are they such determined furniture destroyers? The carnage does not end with the furniture, as cats will also go after your upholstery, carpets, and anything else they can sink their claws...

tabby cat claws

How to Tell If a Stray Cat Is Pregnant? 10 Vet-Approved Signs

There are many challenges to taking in a stray cat. First, you need to make sure that they’re healthy and uninjured. Second, you should locate their owners in case they are simply lost rather than abandoned. Unfortunately, many stray cats...

pregnanat ginger cat outdoor

How To Get Rid of Fleas on Kittens: 7 Vet Approved Steps

You may be wondering what to do if you’ve recently adopted or are fostering a kitten and have seen telltale signs of fleas, such as biting and scratching. Dealing with fleas requires several steps; the kittens and the environment require...

american shorthair kitten

Keratitis in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments (Vet Answer)

If you notice your cat squinting or has a discolored spot on the surface of their eye, take them directly to their veterinarian. Keratitis is a condition that can affect your cat’s eyes and may have several different causes. Let’s...

a stray cat outdoors with keratitis

My Cat Ate Aluminum Foil, What to Do: Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

It’s a well-known fact that many cats are not fond of aluminum foil, and some hate it. The horrible noise, reflective surface, and odd texture make cats uncomfortable, but does aluminum foil cause actual harm to cats? If you’re worried...

My Cat Ate Aluminum Foil