Heroic Cat Goes Viral For Stopping A Baby From Falling Down A Steep Stairway
We're not sure why animals possess a sixth sense. Even if they don't speak our language, they can express their opinions when something seems wrong.
The cat in today's story acted like a superhero when she realized a small human was in serious danger. It truly must be seen to be believed, and you'll see the video below.
Gatubela, a Siamese cat, was quietly going about her daily business while perched on her chair. In between the cat's essential activities, she observed her one-year-old human sibling, Samuel, playing on the floor of their Bogotá, Colombia house.
By the cat's actions, you'll know that she is an excellent nanny! The baby, Samuel, began to crawl around the space, much like a baby does.
Beyond the camera's field of view is a steep ledge with stairs that are unseen. Samuel approached the steps more and more stealthily, and Gatubela intervened just in time.
Gatubela leaped off the chair and stepped in because she couldn't watch Samuel reach the edge of the stairs. That's putting it gently, though.
With a goal, this cat leaped into action and started running across the room. She jumped on him as if she were trying to pick him up like a kitten, demonstrating her obvious desire to save the infant.
An incredible superhero cat's reflexes have helped save a kid in need
When the cat's plan didn't work, she quickly wrapped her body around the infant and performed a physical check. She appears to have used her paws to instruct the infant as if she's saying, "You shall not pass, Little Mr.," as she stood in front of him.
Had Gatubela not been there, Samuel would have fallen down twelve steps. Metro allows you to see what the stairwell looked like from a few inches away.
Experts in child safety, such as Dr. William Sears, advocate for proactive measures to prevent accidents in the home, particularly for toddlers. Dr. Sears emphasizes the importance of baby-proofing spaces, especially areas with stairs. Installing safety gates and ensuring that furniture is stable can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Moreover, he suggests that parents should closely supervise young children during playtime and engage them in discussions about safety. These practices not only protect children but also instill an understanding of safe behaviors as they grow.
Who knows what would have happened if Gatubela hadn't been looking out for the baby
“The cat has been part of our family practically since birth. We had her here when she was a month and a few days old, and she has become familiar with my children.”
- Jesid Leon, father of Samuel.
Here's the video footage
Once Gatubela had prevented the infant from falling, she used her paws to keep the baby's attention focused and eventually got him to crawl away from the stairs toward the living area. She tried her hardest, as you have seen, to play with Samuel in order to prevent him from getting to the stairs once more.
And it was all over in a matter of seconds!
It is understandable why she would act quickly
Animals and Human Emotion
Dr. John Bradshaw, an anthrozoologist and author, emphasizes that animals like cats often possess heightened emotional intelligence, allowing them to sense distress in humans. His research highlights that pets can discern human emotions through vocalizations and body language, creating a bond that fosters mutual care.
In this case, Gatubela's actions demonstrate instinctive protective behavior, a trait seen in many animals. Dr. Bradshaw notes that encouraging such interactions can enhance both pet and owner well-being, promoting a nurturing environment for both parties.
However, anyone would be curious to know how everything started in the first place. Samuel's mother, Diana Lorena Álvarez, put him in his crib while she was at work because he was still asleep.
“I was a short distance from him when I suddenly noticed that he had woken up and had left the crib by himself. For this reason, I wanted to go back over the recordings so that I could see how he got out of his crib.”
The cat, Gatubela, with its owner
When she was informed that Samuel had gotten out of bed, she watched the CCTV recording and saw everything that had happened.
“It was at that moment that I discovered that the cat had saved his life. If it had not been for the cat, my son would have rolled down the stairs. Watching the footage, I felt really surprised and lucky.”
The name Gatubela, after all, means "Catwoman" in English, according to the Mirror. It is a reference to the DC Comics heroine.
The footage of the little Siamese hero was taken up by Fundación Gatos Bogotanos en Adopción (also known as Bagata Cats For Adoption Foundation) and circulated globally through Mail Online. Everything seems really fanciful, and it's difficult to believe until you actually see it.
However, it also demonstrates that this cat was a hero since she acted with confidence and understood just what to do!
Practical Steps for Healing
This incident involving Gatubela illustrates the remarkable bonds between pets and their humans, showcasing an often-overlooked aspect of animal behavior. As Dr. John Bradshaw highlights, animals can act as emotional barometers, responding to their owners' needs before they are even articulated. By creating environments that foster interaction and connection, we can enhance these relationships.
Moreover, implementing safety measures at home, as recommended by Dr. Sears, can prevent dangerous situations, ensuring that our homes remain safe havens for our children and pets. Education and awareness are vital in nurturing these relationships while prioritizing safety.
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