While cats are often adored for their cuteness and cherished as pets, some couples are hesitant to keep their feline companions when expecting a baby. Despite their love for their cats, they’re influenced by persistent myths that make them wary of having cats and newborns together in the same household.
These myths are still passed around, causing concern for new parents. As experts explain, “These scare stories are widely circulated and regularly crop up on pregnancy forums. They are usually exaggerated, and the few that are genuine are only newsworthy due to their EXTREME rarity.”
Contrary to these misconceptions, cats tend to be protective of babies. They often sense when something is wrong and might alert parents if the baby isn’t feeling well. In fact, there are many instances where cats have saved the lives of babies.
One remarkable story is about Masha, a stray cat in Russia, who became a hero a few years ago. Masha saved the life of an abandoned infant in an apartment building, an act that touched the hearts of many. The baby boy, only two to three months old, had been left alone by his parents in the freezing cold.
Had it not been for Masha, the baby could have suffered from hypothermia. On that bitterly cold day, Masha found the baby and instinctively knew he needed warmth. Without hesitation, she curled up around the baby to keep him warm until someone could come to the rescue.
While Masha was keeping the baby warm, his cries echoed through the building, catching the attention of a resident named Nadezhda Makhovikova. Initially, Nadezhda thought she heard a distressed cat. However, upon investigating, she was stunned to find that it was actually a baby crying.
Shortly after, paramedics arrived and rushed the baby to a nearby hospital in the Kaluga region of Russia. Even though the baby was now in safe hands, Masha wasn’t ready to let him go just yet. “She was so worried about where we were taking the baby,” said paramedic Vera Ivanina. “She ran right behind us, meowing. She was really a rational creature.”
Thanks to Masha’s warmth and quick actions, the baby was found to be in good health after a check-up by both paramedics and hospital staff. Meanwhile, the police launched an investigation to find the baby’s parents.
This act highlights critical gaps in our support systems for people in crisis and animal welfare. Urge authorities to provide those in crisis with the help they need to prevent animal abuse!
In the days following the rescue, Masha was celebrated as a hero by the local community. Neighbors couldn’t stop praising her and made sure to reward her with plenty of food and attention. It was clear that Masha’s brave and compassionate act had left a lasting impression on everyone around her, and she was more than deserving of the love and admiration she received.