A few days ago, Masha – the long-haired tabby – was just your average communal cat, looked after by the residents in her home of Obninsk, Russia.
Now, she’s a local hero.
According to the New York Post, Masha came across a baby boy who had been discarded in a box and climbed in to keep him warm.
Her maternal instincts immediately kicked in as she protected the child. She began meowing at passersby for help. A local resident, Irna Lavora, was taken aback when the normally friendly Masha didn’t approach her as she walked by. Lavora recalls:
“She is very placid and friendly, so when I heard her meowing, I thought that perhaps she had injured herself. Normally, she would have come and said hello to me.”
Once discovered, the baby was immediately taken to a local hospital. Luckily, because he had only been outside for a few hours, he checked out completely healthy.
Community members are offering to help provide food, clothing, and toys for the baby boy. As for Masha?
“We have all spoiled her rotten by giving her her favorite food.”
“Everyone on the block is very proud of her.”
