Meet Radamenes, the sweetest nurse you'll ever meet -- and who just happens to be a cat. The cat nurse provides TLC at an animal shelter in Bydgoszcz, Poland. And when you hear her story, you'll understand how extraordinary this cat really is.
Radamenes was brought to the shelter in sorry shape, suffering a respiratory illness so severe, vets considered euthanizing him just to put him out of his misery. But the cat's purring gave them reason to believe he was fighting for his life. So they treated him.
Once he recovered, Radamenes began paying the debt forward, comforting others. The shelter staff noticed him hugging and cleaning the other animals, especially those who had just undergone surgeries or procedures.
Anyone with loving pets will tell you this isn't so surprising. Animals can be just as sensitive to the suffering of others as humans can be. They, too, have a drive to comfort. But it's still unusual for an animal to take such an active role. It's not like every cat at the shelter does this.
It's a good thing the vets picked up on Radamedes' subtle signals and helped him survive. I think we have to believe that the comfort he brings his fellow furry friends is helping them recover, too.
See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.
Does your pet notice when family members are suffering and offer extra comfort?
Images via TVNMetro.com