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)

Barb
That puts to rest the idiotic notion some people (including vets) have that cats are incapable of feeling any emotions. I hope someone took this guy and is giving him a loving home.
Anonymous (Unverified)

I would like to adopt this little guy if he doesn't have a home. He has suffered enough.

Anonymous (Unverified)

I once had a female that had a male buddy that was hit. She stayed by his side until we had him buried. It was the first time I saw an animal grieve. She barely ate and stayed in a corner for 2 weeks. Amazing how animals are behaving more human than humans these days.

Chamorrita Pingelapese 05 (Unverified)
Anonymous (Unverified)

OMG! I don't believe you people. That male cat was actually trying to MATE with her! You don't know anything about cats!

Kristina (Unverified)
Nope Idiot...Not mating. It is clearly protecting her and trying to show affection, and he stands on her at one point. However, he clearly is NOT trying to copulate. That may be your way of getting it on, but this is not the case here. Sorry Buddy...go back and review Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on YouTube to reexamine mating rituals.
dogsrcoolcatsrbetter (Unverified)
Have you ever MET a cat? ANY cat? Seriously, cats do NOT mate by kneading, even an inexperienced 'Tween' Tom cat would not do this in an attempt to mate, only the human male failures would be so lame! I have had many cats and I can tell you for sure that these cats were bonded by something far beyond sex!