Family Cat Saves Child From Dog Attack! Video.

[Methuselah2]

The Cat of Cats:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/weird-news/video-shows-cat-save-boy-from-dog-attack-9373043.html

[Jerry Oz]

I saw this on the news yesterday.

Best.
Cat.
Ever!

[milven]

The family was on the TODAY SHOW this morning with the cat.
What a terrific cat, but then , aren't they all terrific ?:)

[Jerry Oz]

No. No, they are not all terrific. But that's just my opinion...

[144man]

An altruistic cat:confused: Now I've seen everything!

[Methuselah2]

Oh, 144man! Meeeeeooowwwww!

[144man]

Don't get me wrong ; I love cats, but I have to be realistic about them. Most of the time they act out of self-interest. For instance, my sister's cat sleeps on her bed in the winter, but now summer is approaching, the cat is sleeping in a different room. This shows that she sleeps with her for warmth, not companionship.

Every cat I have ever met has had its own individual personality, but Tara is truly remarkable.

[Jerry Oz]

Tara is a baller. That dog is a son of a bitch.

[westgrandboulevard]

144man is correct. All animals act primarily out of instinct and self-interest. They respond best to humans who show intelligent understanding of their characteristic behaviour. It is a mistake to regard them as substitute humans, possessing similar thoughts and emotions.

In the feline world, the females are the dominant gender, and are extremely protective. They will often see off 'entire' male cats, as well as subordinate female ones, who are found on their territory. This is usually accompanied by an earsplitting, and very discordant shriek.

Just like humans, there are variations in the behaviour of cats. Tara is clearly closer to her feral origins, and her basic instinct is to attack, instead of flee to safety, as other cats might, especially if they are unfamiliar with dogs. I suspect that dog is well known to Tara, who is always watchful for its presence.

It is understandable for humans to regard Tara as defending the child, but really she was simply defending her own territory, and herself.

It's still a remarkable video, but just not for the reason we mere humans would wish it to be.:)

[Methuselah2]

144man & WGB - After reading what you both had to say, I have to admit that you're probably right. Your assessments and insights are very strong. Thanks for your perspectives.

[144man]

Like us, cats are mammals. It's also possible that the mothering instinct was a contributory factor.

[Jerry Oz]

That, or the cat wanted to eat the kid herself. There's all sorts of possibilities...