Five-year-old Ethan Fenton was intimidated by bullies while playing nicely with his brother, then one of the bigger boys shoved the little guy to the ground. Just as Sarah, Ethan’s mother, attempted to step in, a feline hero flashed to the boy’s aid and struck on the chest of one of the bullies. The heroic act of Smudge, Ethan’s cat, sent the bullies running and weeping.

“I heard them shout Ethan’s name twice, but he ignored them,” said Sarah, “but then they shouted him again and then one of the boys got in Ethan’s face and said, ‘Oi! Why are you ignoring me?’ and pushed him over.”

As told by the mother, after seeing his owner pushed to the ground, Smudge rushed from underneath the car and hit one of the bullies. Ethan and his mother felt very grateful for their loyal and brave furry fella’s act.

“He has never done anything like that before but it was absolutely brilliant seeing him look out for Ethan like that,” Sarah added. “He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened.”

People often think that only dogs are protective of their owner; however, this story proved otherwise. Your cat may not regard you as its superior, but it considers you its friend, and friends need to help each other out sometimes, right?

Along with science-backed researches, there are stories from everywhere (just take a dive in Google!) about animals’ strong bond with humans. There will be a point when your pet actually cares for your wellbeing. Of course, it takes love, affection, and plenty of time together to get to that point, so shout out to Ethan and his friend, Smudge!

(h/t: sunnyskyz)

Credit: Mirror.co.uk / Mercury

Smudge pounced on the chest of one of the bullies to free his friend.

“He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened.”

Credit: Mirror.co.uk / Mercury

People often think that only dogs are protective of their owner; however, this story proved otherwise.

Credit: Mirror.co.uk / Mercury

Shout out to Ethan and his friend, Smudge!

Credit: Mercury & Media Ltd