As we know, cats have a certain knack for randomly featuring in circumstances that are both hilarious and life-changing. Some of of which are incredibly hard to believe...
1. The cat who saved a toddler from a dog attack
In 2014, a Californian tabby named Tara became a global hero after CCTV captured her body-slamming a dog that attacked her family’s young son. The brave cat chased the dog off — earning a “Hero Cat” award and proving that size isn’t everything.
2. The stationmaster who revived a railway
In 2007, a calico cat called Japan’s Tama, was appointed “Stationmaster” of Kishi Station. Her presence boosted passenger numbers, tourism, and even local business revenue. It transformed what was a sleepy rural stop into a national attraction.
3. The ship’s cat who guided a sailor home
In 1949, a Scottish seaman named Samuel Cox was reunited with his cat Emmy after she went missing from his ship, Empire Windrush, during a voyage from the Caribbean. Weeks later, she appeared at his doorstep in Glasgow — having somehow found her way across the Atlantic by other means. The story, verified by the Glasgow Herald, remains one of the strangest maritime reunions ever reported.
4. The cat that called 911
In 2006, a cat named Tommy in Ohio was credited with saving his disabled owner’s life. When the unnamed man collapsed, Tommy somehow pressed the programmed 911 button on the man’s phone resulting the in-emergency services arriving in time to save his life.
5. The mayor with nine political lives
For 20 years, Stubbs, an orange tabby, “served” as the honorary mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska. His appointment resulted in tourists flocking to meet him at his office, which coincided as the local convenience store, where he greeted constituents with naps, chin scratches, and cuddles.
6. The library cat that became a global star
The hilariously named feline, Dewey Readmore Books, was found in a library drop box in Iowa on a freezing night. The shop staff chose to adopt him leading Dewey to go on to charm visitors for 19 years and even inspire a best-selling book, and documentary.
7. The train-hopping cat of Sussex
A cat named Casper became a local celebrity in Plymouth, England, after regularly riding the same No. 3 bus route for years. Drivers would let him hop on, take a seat, and return home at the last stop. His story went viral after his death in 2010 and inspired a children’s book, Casper the Commuting Cat.
8. The cat who comforted patients at a nursing home
Oscar, a therapy cat on Rhode Island, became famous for sensing when residents were near the end of life. He would curl up beside them and offer quiet companionship in their final hours. Certainly one of the more peculiar gifts we have known a cat to have.
9. The Arctic explorer who stole the show
When polar explorer Ernest Shackleton set off on his 1914 expedition, he brought along Mrs. Chippy, a seafaring cat who became beloved by the all the crew. She kept team morale high — and rats out of the provisions – even in the harshest of conditions.
10. The cat who reunited a community
After the terrible 2011 Christchurch earthquake, Mittens the cat became a celebrity in New Zealand’s capital. He was known for wandering into shops, churches, and offices. He was admired so much by the residents of Christchurch, he earned his own social-media following, an SPCA award, and was even awarded a key to the city.