Episodes > 201 > Pet Tales

Daughter's Feline Friend, or Lifesaving Siamese Cat?

When a fire broke out and deadly smoke filled one family's house, a surprising hero emerged to wake them in the middle of the night and keep them out of harm's way!

Sammy is a half-Siamese, half-American Short Hair cat, but he is all HERO.
One night, Kate's favorite friend Sammy smelled smoke. The problem was, no one else did and Sammy couldn't wake up Kate or Kate's father Bill. Eventually, Sammy woke up Kate's mom Donna who heard the smoke alarm and got everyone out of the house.

It seems the fire started in the furnace, but it nearly filled the house with smoke. According to firefighters on the scene, most people who die from a fire do so because of smoke inhalation, not the fire itself. Fortunately for the family, Sammy smelled the smoke and helped get everyone out.

The following is a list of helpful hints to assure your pet makes it out of a household fire alive:

1. Be sure that your pets are part of your organized evacuation plan. Rehearse your plan repeatedly with your family, including your pets.
   
   
2. Assemble a pet disaster kit that includes the following: a supply of your pet's food, water, vaccination records and medications, emergency contact information including your veterinarian,s number, a favorite toy and an extra leash and collar with identification for any dogs and carriers for cats. If you have no carriers for your small animals, pillowcases can be used to help get the smaller animals safely out of the house.
   
   
3. Listen to your pet! Animals have the ability to smell smoke long before humans. If your pet is acting strangely, look into the situation promptly and be prepared to gather your family and follow your evacuation plan.
   
   
4. Fire experts say the number-one reason animals perish in fires is because they are confined to their pens or cages and cannot escape. Be sure your fire plan accounts for crated dogs and caged cats.
   
   
5. When not at home, keep your animals on the ground floor so they will be easier to rescue.
   
   
6. If your animal was in a smoke-filled building, or if you can smell smoke on its fur, take it to your veterinarian for review. Toxic fumes can be deadly.
   
   
7. Give a house key to a trusted neighbor and make sure they know where the animals might be located within the house so they can inform fire fighters.
   
   
8. Be sure to have working smoke detectors on every level of the home and near bedrooms, and keep hallways and home exits free of clutter.