Hero Cat Protects 5 Year Old Boy from Bullies

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By Karen Harrison Binette

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Ethan Fenton and Smudge

 

Smudge the cat took on the role of defender when bullies ganged up on his family’s 5 year old boy.

Sarah Fenton, of Thorne, South Yorkshire, UK was watching her two boys, 5 year old Ethan and his 3 year old brother Ashton, through the kitchen window as they played football in the front garden one day when a group of older boys approached and pushed Ethan to the ground.

Within seconds, the family’s 4 year old cat Smudge shot out from the spot where he was concealed, hissed and jumped up at one of the bullies, sending the group of boys running in a hasty retreat.

Smudge had never shown that protective side of himself in the three years he has been a part of the family, but he has remained vigilant since the incident.

Sharon tells the story, saying: “I was keeping an eye on the boys who were playing football in the front garden.

“I saw three boys who were much taller and older than Ethan walk over to our front gate.

“I heard them shout Ethan’s name twice but he ignored them and just put his head back down and kept playing with Ashton.

“But then they shouted him again and then one of the boys got in Ethan’s face and said “Oi! Why are you ignoring me?” and pushed him over.

“That’s when I rushed outside and saw Smudge fly out from under our car and jump on the boy’s chest.

“I think it was shock more than anything but the boy stumbled backwards, burst into tears and then ran off.

“He has never done anything like that before but it was absolutely brilliant seeing him look out for Ethan like that.

“He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened.

“I actually feel so much safer knowing Smudge is around after seeing him defend him like that.

“He is a big part of the family and he is more of a brother to the boys than a cat.”

Now Smudge is being recognized for his bravery and loyalty.

Smudge is a finalist for Cats Protection UK’s 2014 National Cat Awards in the Hero Cat category. The awards will be made in August.

The National Cat Awards are designed to celebrate the extraordinary tales of survival, companionship and bravery in the feline world.

Also in the running are Baby Boy, in the Outstanding Rescue Cat category, see 3 Year Old Girl’s Best Friend is National Cat Award Finalist, and Slinky, also in the Hero Cat cat category, see  Cat Taps on Neighbors’ Window to Save Owner’s Life.

 

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Sarah Fenton, with Ethan and Smudge

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2 thoughts on “Hero Cat Protects 5 Year Old Boy from Bullies”

  1. Way to go Smudge!! It’s too bad those older boys weren’t taught that it’s very wrong to bully other children especially when they are younger than you. And that it’s better to walk away than to pick fights over something as silly as someone not paying attention to you. It’s too bad there aren’t more cats like Smudge to run off all the bullies there are in life. Good job, Smudge! And to Ethan as well , good job Ethan for holding your own in the face of those bullies! No one,(but your parents and the people they put in charge of you),has the right to push you around and try to make you do what they want just because they are bigger or older!

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