Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Brave firefighters saved a cat from a burning building before giving her life-saving oxygen through a mask specially designed for pets.

The fire which erupted in Jersey Street, Port Talbot, needed five crews to tackle.

A man managed to escape the house before the firefighters arrived - but the cat was still inside.

Firefighters battled the blaze and managed to get her out, where they used the pet-sized gear.

It was taken to taken to a veterinary practice by RSPCA Cymru, and a local family have since been looking after it. They have nicknamed her Sophie.

Cat sitters Nigel and Linda Passmore said: “We initially didn’t think this poor cat was going to make it, but she’s doing brilliantly now and has settled in really well. We’re just happy we were able to help.”

The oxygen therapy masks were donated to Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service in 2016 by the Smokey Paws not-for-profit.

RSPCA inspector Gemma Cooper said: “It was fantastic to be able to help Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service with this rescue.

“It’s fantastic to see the lengths firefighters went to in helping this cat - and clearly the oxygen masks donated by Smokey Paws played a pivotal role in ensuring the animal’s welfare, with their potential in saving the lives of pets clear to see.

“This incident is another brilliant example of what can be achieved for Wales’ animals when we work in collaboration.”

The man was taken to hospital after the fire on Saturday, where his injuries are understood to be non-life threatening.

Smokey Paws founder Brian Lockyer added: “Specially designed pet oxygen masks are more effective on pets than the human masks often used to try and revive pets by first responders.

“We’re so pleased to hear that the masks have helped this cat in Port Talbot. This just further highlights how important it is to help equip emergency services with these critical lifesaving devices for cats and dogs.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“By providing one special animal oxygen kit for each fire engine in the country as well as providing them to sanctuaries and shelters, we hope to enable first responders to save even more animals lives.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said staff were grateful to everyone who donated the oxygen masks.

Station manager Sean Lloyd said: “Thanks to the fundraising efforts of individuals and organisations, through the Smokey Paws Charity,

“The donation of oxygen therapy masks has enhanced Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s capability to rescue and recover cats and dogs from fires.

“These oxygen therapy masks, which are designed specifically to be used by cats and dogs, have been provided to fire stations in Llanwrtyd Wells, Builth Wells, Llandrindod Wells, Aberystwyth, Carmarthen, Newcastle Emlyn, Whitland, Llanelli, Swansea Central, Swansea West, Morriston, Port Talbot, Haverfordwest and Brecon.”