The abandoned baby who was saved by the stray cat.

They say dogs are man's best friend, but one cat has proven felines can be just as devoted to their human companions.

The stray tabby helped save the life of an abandoned baby by keeping him warm as temperatures fell below zero degrees celsius.

Marsha, the hero cat, curled up with the tiny boy who had been dumped in the hallway of an apartment block in the Russian town of Obninsk.

Marsha, the hero cat.

The baby was left in a cardboard box which has been Marsha's home for the past three years while she has been fed and cared for by the block's residents.

But rather than become upset when she found an interloper in her makeshift bed, Marsha kept the baby boy warm by curling up around him.

The caring cat was found licking the baby's face when the pair was discovered by residents who were alerted by the little boy's cries.

It is believed the boy, who had been left with clean clothes and spare nappies, had been there for several hours.

When paramedics arrived to take him to hospital, Marsha played the part of protective mother.

Paramedic Vera Ivanina told Russia's REN TV that Marsha took a keen interest in where her new friend was going.


"She was so worried about where we were taking the baby," Ivanina said.

"She ran right behind us, meowing. She was really a rational creature."

The baby, who is believed to be no older than 12 weeks, was taken to hospital where he was given a clean bill of health despite hours in the cold.

"The baby had only been outside for a few hours and thanks to Marsha … he was not damaged by the experience," a hospital spokesman told Central European News.

While Marsha might be missing her newfound friend, no doubt she is being spoilt with treats after her good deed.

Police are searching for the parents of the abandoned baby boy.