Mother Cat Lays On Top Of Kitten To Save It From Mobile Home Fire

PASCO COUNTY, FL — A 2 1/2-week-old kitten is recovering after a mother cat sacrificed her own life to save the kitten from a fire that devoured the mobile home where they lived with their owner.

When a Pasco County mobile home caught fire this week, the resident was able to make it outside to safety but his cat and her two kittens were trapped inside and firefighters were unable to rescue them from the mobile home that was completely on fire.

In an attempt to protect her kittens from the blaze, the mother cat laid on top of them.

After the mobile home burned to the ground, the firefighters combed through the ashes and burned debris and found the mother cat and kittens. They were rushed to a nearby veterinary emergency room but the mother and one of the kittens succumbed to the flames and smoke.

However, one of the kittens survived. When the kitten was stabilized, Pasco County Animal Services called the Suncoast Animal League in Palm Harbor, which has cared for other Pasco County pets injured by fire.

"It seemed as if mom did everything possible to protect her kittens, even risking her own life in their defense, but the flames and the smoke were too much," said Suncoast Animal League Executive Director Rick Chaboudy. "But mom managed to protect one of her kittens from the blaze, enough to give that kitty a chance at life."

Chaboudy said the kitten is now resting comfortably in one of the animal league's foster homes.

"Other than her whiskers being burned completely off and a slight odor of smoke, she is doing well with her bottle feeding and her cuddling," Chaboudy said.

Chaboudy said they decided Molly was a fitting name for the kitten.

Why?

"Molly Williams is reported to be the first known female firefighter who became a member of the Oceanus Engine Company #11 around 1815," Chaboudy said. "Our kitty seems to embody the same fighting spirit as Ms. Williams, so we thought the name quite appropriate for our little one."

The owner of the mobile home has been relocated to a hotel and is receiving help from the Red Cross.

The Suncoast Animal League, 1030 Pennsylvania Ave., Palm Harbor, is a nonprofit animal shelter that depends on community donations to care for abused, injured, neglected and abandoned animals. To donate, click here.