Scarlett, the cat that saved kittens from 1996 Brooklyn fire, dies

NY Daily News ^ | October 24th 2008 | LARRY McSHANE

[Daffynition]

Scarlett the cat, a calico hero who drew worldwide acclaim after rescuing her five kittens from a 1996 Brooklyn fire, has passed away.

The aging cat - believed to be at least 13 years old - succumbed to multiple illnesses, leaving behind the sad Brooklyn family that adopted her after the blaze.

"She was the most precious and loving cat, and in our household, it was all about Scarlett," said her owner, Karen Weller.

Scarlett's ascension to stardom began in an abandoned Brooklyn garage, where she was tending her litter of five when a fire broke out in March 1996.

Firefighters spotted Scarlett, despite burns to her eyes, ears and face, toting each kitten out of the building to safety. Once outside, Scarlett nudged each baby with her nose to make sure she found all five.

The hero cat was taken to the North Shore Animal League with her offspring - and their story soon attracted attention from around the globe.

Calls about the fearless feline's health came in from Japan, the Netherlands and South Africa, while other admirers sent Mother's Day cards to Scarlett.

She became the main character of a book, "Scarlett Saves Her Family," and received mentions from Oprah Winfrey and CNN.

In her new Brooklyn home, Scarlett was top cat. Four of her five kittens survived the blaze and they were adopted in pairs.

Scarlett died on Oct. 11, after battling kidney failure, a heart murmur and lymphoma, Animal League officials said.

[Daffynition]

Scarlett the cat in 1997

[Daffynition]

Do you remember the story of Scarlett?

[randomhero97]

Honestly, I think animals have more compassion than humans.

[waxer1]

Yes, God Bless her.

[RDTF]

RIP little angel

[Tijeras_Slim]

I remember.

Rest easy Momma Cat.

[itsthejourney]

Ahhhh, this is actually making me cry. That’s so sad. Prayers for Scarlett.

[mass55th]

RIP Scarlett. Please say “Hello” to my Timmy in Kitty Heaven.

[VairyAngel]

I remember her. God bless that loving mommy cat.

[Daffynition]

You may be right.

[novemberslady]

Rest peacefully wonderful Scarlett

[Daffynition]

For some who may have missed Scarlet's story.

[Daffynition]

Why is Everybody So Surprised That I Saved My Furry Five?


Why is everyone so surprised
that I saved my furry five;
that in spite of pain and danger
I brought them out alive?
True my eyes were barely open
but I heard their frantic wails;
through smoke and flames I saw
scorched ears and burning tails.
Every trip was a burdened choice
but I could make no other.
The rescuers have called me cat...

but I am also "mother."


Author - Rosemary Asmussen

[Red in Blue PA]

Agreed.

Though many will disagree with me, I believe animals will make it to heaven too.

And should they not make it, I am not sure I would want any part of it.

[radiohead]

Damn, just when I’ve convinced myself I’m a hard-hearted bi$ch, some momma cat makes me go all wobbly...

[Shqipo]

Great story and a most deserving candidate for a Heavenly rest.

[randomhero97]

They are all God's creatures too.

The gf and I volunteer at a local no kill shelter. We treat each dog and cat as if they were our own. It's funny because they get excited when we show up.

[SamiGirl]

I agree with you and have always said that animals go to haven too.

[randomhero97]

Same here. Someone posted the Rainbow Bridge flash movie in another thread and I actually had tears rolling down my face.

I was at work so I had to put my hand up to cover my face, lol.

[Daffynition]

She instinctively knew what many human mothers have somehow forgotten.