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

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

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

Is Cinnamon Bad for Cats? Vet-Reviewed Safety Facts

Cats are obligate carnivores that have very different diets and nutritional needs than humans. However, there are a variety of foods that both...

Do I Have a Finicky Cat? Is a Finicky Eater a Behavior Issue? (Vet-Reviewed)

Cats can seem like mysterious creatures and exhibit behaviors that make no sense to us. If your cat is healthy but turns their...

10 Best Soft-Sided Cat Carriers in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Traveling with your cat can be a lot of work, especially if it’s an escape artist. Whether you want to hike with your...

Sploot Veterinary Care | Heroes of The Pet World

Veterinarians, vet technicians, practice managers, rescuers, behaviorists, nutritionists, trainers, volunteers, and other animal professionals are the backbone of pet ownership. Helping pets and...

More related

Do Bengal Cats Like Water? Breed Interesting Facts

If you’ve ever wanted a cat that will play in the water with you, a Bengal is your choice! A survey done of...

How to Treat a Cat Scratch: 6 Vet-Approved Steps

It’s no secret that our kitties love using their claws! Whether it’s for play, balance, hunting, or climbing, they work best with their...

Does Diatomaceous Earth Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Reviewed Effectiveness & Safety

Diatomaceous earth—a powdery substance made from fossilized algae—is growing in popularity as a chemical-free pest control method. But is it safe for pets?...

Can Cats Get Lice? Vet-Approved Facts & Treatment Tips

Lice are a common problem for most pet owners, especially if your pet enjoys the outdoors. They can cause skin disease and itchiness,...

Keep reading

Feeding Multiple Cats: Vet-Approved Mealtime Strategies

Owning more than one cat can have its joys and its frustrations. Feeding multiple cats certainly has its challenges. You’re dealing with various personalities and feeding habits and sometimes, different diets. If you’re someone who is owned by more than...

Orange and calico cats with brown and white kittens eating from their food bowls

Do Cat Paw Pads Grow Back? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs

Cats are curious, active creatures adept at using their sharp eyes, noses, and ears to explore the world. But they also use information gathered from the hyper-sensitive nerves in their whiskers and paws! Cat paws are packed with delicate nerve...

Cat paw pads

Can Cats Eat Crawfish? Vet-Reviewed Risk & Benefits

It’s no secret that felines are seafood lovers. Crawfish might seem safe for your cat, and you might consider giving them a sample. While a small taste of cooked, adequately prepared crawfish won’t hurt your cat, it’s not an ideal...

Can Cats Eat Crawfish

Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats? Common Houseplants Examined & Vet-Reviewed

When it comes to succulents and cats, you can never be too careful. The last thing you want is something growing in your garden or that you bring into your home to make your furry friend sick or worse. Luckily,...

Catster_Is Sedum Poisonous to Cats

Nebelung Cat Health Problems: 6 Common Issues

Nebelung cats are still a relatively rare breed. They have a very long lifespan of up to 18 years. But because they have only been around since the 1980s, there still isn’t a lot known about their overall health and...

Catster_Health Problems of Nebelung Cat

Are Diffusers Safe for Cats to be Around? Vet-Approved Science & Safety Guide

It may surprise you to learn that cats primarily interpret the world from their nose. This is because, like many other animals, their sense of smell is stellar. You may wonder if diffusers are safe to use around them. Though...

Catster_Are Diffusers Safe for Cats

Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass? Vet-Reviewed Benefits & Facts

If you have a dog, chances are you’re used to asking them what they have in their mouths. On the other hand, cats can be a little fussier about what they eat, but some nibble the edges of plant leaves...

Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass

Why Do Cats Show You Their Butt? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Although cats have lived with humans for millennia, they still do many things that leave us feeling puzzled or confused. One behavior that can surprise or shock new cat owners is a cat’s tendency to show their butt when they...

black cat enjoying when owner scratch at the base of his tail showing the butt