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.

Heart-Warming News: A Cat in Russia Saves an Abandoned Baby

Cats love boxes. A cat in a box is a classic of the form. Back in 2015 in Russia, a heroic long-haired tabby brought a virtuous new meaning to the concept. It involved saving the life of an abandoned baby.

divider cat paws oct 2024

After some cold-hearted person left a 12-week-old infant in an outer hallway of an apartment building in a cardboard box, Masha the homeless cat hopped into the box. She kept the abandoned baby warm and meowed until residents noticed and helped.

Paramedics described Masha as “a really rational creature” to The Guardian, crediting the cat with keeping the child alive through the night.

This story tugs at the heartstrings. It takes place in Obninsk, where Masha is known as a lovable local stray.

“She is very placid and friendly,” a resident told the Central European News.

Masha has also now become a hero cat after her baby-saving actions.

After the baby was whisked away to a hospital, it was reported, Masha herself tried to sneak into the ambulance to be with the youngster. With the baby now recovering safely, Masha is embracing her new status as a local icon. Residents are showering her with well-deserved toys and treats — and, we hope, a forever home.


About Phillip Mlynar: The self-appointed world’s foremost expert on rappers’ cats. When not penning posts on rap music, he can be found building DIY cat towers for his adopted domestic shorthair, Mimosa, and collecting Le Creuset cookware (in red). He has also invented cat sushi, but it’s not quite what you think it is.

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 Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published.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

6 Amazing Hero Cats That Saved Lives (With Pictures)

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...

Superhero cat adorable

Inside the Exotic World of “Hong Kong Shop Cats”: Interview with Marcel Heijnen

New York City is the home of the esteemed bodega cat. These virtuous felines spend their time prowling the aisles of corner convenience...

Purrminators Helps Kittens and Adult Cats via Instagram

Brechje is a woman who lives in the Netherlands, and when her mother fostered a litter of orphaned kittens in 2012, the benevolent...

bunch of tabby kittens

My Cat Just Had Kittens, What Do I Do? (7 Vet-Recommended Tips)

If you’ve been waiting patiently for your cat to have her kittens, and now the time has come, it can be stressful. But...

mother cat and its kittens

More related

mother cat and its kittens

My Cat Just Had Kittens, What Do I Do? (7 Vet-Recommended Tips)

If you’ve been waiting patiently for your cat to have her kittens, and now the time has come, it can be stressful. But...

mother cat nose to nose with kitten

Do Cats Remember Their Mom Or Recognise Her Kittens? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Cats do not have the same relationships between mothers and kittens as human parents...

I Discover the Karlsson Cat Levitator – and I Test It

“Cats love anti-gravity. I bet you didn’t know that.” Thus spake Flickr user Mr. Thinktank. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know...

Cool hipster cat with vintage sunglasses holds popcorn

25 Top Cat Movies for Kids: The Purrfect Picks in 2025

Cats are fascinating and interesting animals, so it’s no surprise that there are numerous movies that feature them. Many films with cats are...

Keep reading

How Long Should a Cat Be Confined After Being Spayed or Neutered? Vet-Approved Recommendations

Spaying and neutering your cat is highly recommended, not only for the prevention of health and behavioral problems, but also to help combat the severe overpopulation of cats. Overpopulation leads to homelessness and the risk of euthanasia. Spays and neuters...

vet putting on surgical suit to a cat after surgery

Should I Let My Cat Sleep With Me? Vet-Reviewed Pros & Cons

Having cats sleep on their owners’ beds is an ongoing debate. There are some benefits to having your bed sleep on your bed with you at night, but there are some potential risks as well. When it comes to whether...

young boy sleeping beside the cat

Can Cats Eat Frosting? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Frosting is a delicious topping on cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. With its main ingredients of sugar, butter, and cream, it’s a sweet, tasty addition that is sure to make anyone want more. If you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably encountered...

Can Cats Eat Frosting

Are There Cats Without Whiskers? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

If you’re a cat lover or even a casual observer, you’ve probably noticed that cats have long, delicate whiskers protruding from their faces. But have you ever wondered if all cats have whiskers? The Sphynx cat and other breeds with...

close up of cat whiskers

Why is My Cat Peeing Everywhere All of a Sudden? 7 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cat owners can agree that the smell of cat urine is overwhelming. It’s a difficult odor to remove from furniture, carpeting, and other fabrics. Your home quickly becomes unpleasant if your kitty isn’t using their litter box. There are several...

cat with pee stain on the carpet

Why Does My Cat Hug My Arm? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It isn’t every day that a cat will allow you to enter the sanctity of their world. Many cats parade around the house like they own it, which we know they do, and graciously ignore you until they are ready...

cat hugs hand

What to Feed a Diabetic Cat to Gain Weight: Vet-Reviewed Health Tips

Diabetes has become an epidemic, not just in people but also in pets. Feline diabetes is most similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, meaning that weight management and diet are critical factors in controlling the condition. Cats with diabetes...

cat thin

Can Cats Kill Weasels? Our Vet Explains

The domestic cat is the most popular pet animal in the world today. Domesticated thousands of years ago, cats have followed humans all over the world throughout history. As a result, they’re considered invasive in many parts of the world,...

Siberian Weasel