A cat in Russia is being praised as a hero after it saved the life of an abandoned baby in freezing weather. 

The cat, who was named Masha by the local residents, climbed in to the box that the child had been left in to keep the infant warm, and alerted one of the residents to the plight of the baby by meowing as she passed. 

The child is recovering in hospital and is doing well, thanks to the fact that Masha was on hand to help. The hospital has also been inundated with offers of people who are looking to donate food or toys, or anything that might be needed after the story made headlines there. 

Masha, who is cared for by the community of neighbours, has since been getting plenty of attention, and her fair share of extra food as a reward for her good deed. 

Via My Fox