Yahoo News Family cat dies trying to protect young children from Australia’s most dangerous snake
Arthur, the shorthair pet cat, was not able to survive the snake bike and died the next day
(Screengrab/ Animal Emergency Service)A pet cat in Australia’s Queensland has been dubbed as a “four-legged hero” after it died fighting a venomous snake to protect young children.
The mischievous shorthair cat named Arthur was following the two children and playing in the backyard when the highly venomous eastern brown snake slithered right up to the children.
According to a Facebook post by Animal Emergency Service, the brave cat immediately jumped into action and killed the snake to protect the children from danger.
The venom of the snake that bit Arthur is ranked the second most toxic in the world. The snake is known for its agility, aggressiveness and bad temper, according to Australian Geographic. Its bite can cause progressive paralysis and stops the blood from clotting which leads to the collapse of the victim within moments of the bite.
“Unfortunately, in the process, Arthur received a fatal envenomation snake bite,” it said.
Arthur collapsed but quickly regained consciousness. The family remained unaware of the snakebite amid all the chaos of getting the children out of the yard.
It was the next morning when Arthur collapsed again the family got to know about the fatal injury to the cat.
The family rushed the cat to the vet, however, its condition was too serious to be recovered.
“His family, understandably devastated, remember him fondly and are forever grateful he saved the children’s lives. Arthur was always getting into mischief; he had previously visited us been in accidents and was very much loved by our team,” emergency vet care service said.
The brave act by cat was hailed by social media users as heroic and led to an outpour of grief.
“I’m soooooo saddened for the family and this Precious cat. Sending prayers for your broken hearts. You’ll see him again,” said a Facebook user.
“Oh Arthur... what a brave little man! My heart breaks for you and your family,” said another.
Watch: Deadly cobra found trapped inside steel pipe
Read MoreCat trapped in aircraft cockpit for two weeksNo snake soup for Hong Kong's young snake catcherTrump brings back xenophobic 'The Snake' reading to rally days before election
