A cat has become the most unlikely of heroes after saving an abandoned child’s life in Russia.
Long-haired tabby Masha is being credited with rescuing the three-month-old, after climbing into the box the tot had been abandoned in, and sitting with the child, keeping it warm amid the freezing temperatures.
As well as keeping the child warm, the cat also raised the alarm and directed passer-by Irina Lavrova to where the child had been left.
The 68-year-old was throwing out her rubbish when she heard Masha’s crying near the bins, and she was shocked to discover the baby boy lying in the box.
Irina immediately alerted the authorities, who brought the child by ambulance to a hospital. After receiving a full check-up, the child was declared healthy and unharmed after his traumatic experience.
A spokesman for the hospital paid tribute to Masha, saying: “The baby had only been outside for a few hours and thanks to Masha and the child’s clothing, he was not damaged by the experience.”
Irina added: “Clearly her mothering instincts had taken over and she wanted to protect the child.”
A case has now been launched by the police in a bid to find the child’s mother.
Masha isn’t the first animal to be hailed as a hero in recent times, with brave cat Tara saving her toddler owner from an attack from a dog last year.
It seems the sweet connection between pets and our little ones is a natural phenomenon.
