Stray Cat Tries CPR to Save His Friend

Published June 2, 2010

While this is a moving but incredibly sad story (and video), my fellow cat lovers will agree that it is not unusual for tender and long abiding friendships to develop between felines. It makes no difference if they reside within the protective walls and gardens of a loving household, or if they are simply those forgotten, stray or untamed feral cats making their homes in the streets and back alleys of towns and cities the world over.

Which brings us to Turkey, in the Kizilsaray district of Antalya, where one stray cat was deeply bonded to his female companion and fellow neighborhood roamer. Sadly, the female cat was badly injured after being struck by a car and thoughtlessly left for dead.

The male was so protective toward her that he prevented caring strangers from helping by not allowing them to approach. He continued to guard her for two straight hours while also trying to revive her in motions similar to C.P.R., by physically manipulating and kneading her body.

Onlookers were amazed with the male cat's behavior as he tried to knead her back to life. One even likened his action to a cardiac massage.

This proves beyond all doubt to me that the feline species are totally capable of forming strong feelings and emotions toward other felines, and also how protective they can be when a friend is in trouble.

Unfortunately, even though a veterinarian arrived on the scene to assist, and in spite of the male cat's heroic efforts, the female succumbed to her fatal injuries. She died shortly after her arrival at the veterinary clinic.

Some may find the following video difficult to watch, however it does capture the essence of the love and care that the male cat gives to his female companion. Uploaded to YouTube by officialmadtube, it has been widely circulating around the Internet. The song is Eppure Sentire (Un Senso di Te) by Italian artist, Elisa.

See video
Author's profile photo
Jo Singer

Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…

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Comments (73)

Cathy (Unverified)
The emotion this cat showed, should tell people that animals do in fact have feelings. So I hope people will stop treating them like they don't have feelings. They hurt just like we do.
Kelly
This video is so heart wrenching! The poor kitty. Bless his little heart. They should have taken him too, so he could be adopted! You just can't watch this video w/out crying!! You just want to scoop that little boy up, & make it up to him the rest of his life, by spoiling him!
SnowyDae
OMG! I cried like a baby watching this...
ctti87 (Unverified)
There are simply too many ignorant & uneducated people shooting their mouths off here. Two such groups of people need to be addressed: Those whining about how no one tried to help - please READ before you type. Cats can be extremely aggressive when defending their babies or other animals they've grown attached to (yes, even non-feline animals). Hell, they can be aggressive if you even go near their food or territory. I myself am the owner of a highly protective mother cat & her kitten. It is virtually impossible to get near whatever they're defending without getting waylaid by a possible attack. My guess is that they had to wait for a vet, who is experienced in dealing with all sorts of animals, to handle the cats. Those adamant that the male cat was attempting to mate with the female cat - animals aren't stupid. They know when another animal is ready to mate & this poor female cat was certainly in no such condition. Sure, the male cat most probably wasn't performing CPR or a cardiac massage but kneading is one of the ways in which cats not only emulate their childhood behavior as suckling kittens but also how they comfort a distressed friend, baby or owner. Assuming that one cannot apply "human emotions" to an animal & using that as an excuse to write them off as incapable of sadness, affection or anger makes you even less human than they are. They may not be like us physically but that doesn't mean they have no feelings.
SnowyDae
Very well stated :)
Anonymous
My heart breaks for these poor cats... :( http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
Anonymous (Unverified)
Them poor poor cats it just shows that love is true for animals aswell RIP little cat I really hope the other cat is ok this is truely a heart breaking story