Miracle cat emerges from ashes three days after fire guts family home
Jennifer Thomson thought she’d lost everything, including her beloved pet, when a fire razed her Langwarrin home. But Smokey’s remarkable tale of survival has amazed even the vets who treated her.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
A cat believed to have perished when a fire tore through a Langwarrin house has miraculously emerged from the ashes three days after the tragedy.
The Thomson family were lucky to survive when a resident living in their shared accommodation on McLelland Rd set his bedroom on fire and barricaded himself behind the door on July 6.
Langwarrin CFA and Frankston Fire Brigade were quick to the property but the house was engulfed in flames, destroying all of the Thomson’s belongings and what 18-year-old Jennifer thought was the family’s three pets, including her nine-month-old Persian cat Smokey.
“I went back to have a look at the house … I kept calling Smokey’s name and then I heard a meow,” she said.
“I saw him sniffing around the area looking for something to eat … I couldn’t believe it was him.”
Smokey suffered third-degree burns to his ears and paws.
He was taken to Carrum Veterinary Hospital where he underwent urgent surgery for the removal of the tips of his ears funded by Pet Medical Crisis Fund.
Practice manager Ebony Pollock said the hospital rarely saw animals with such severe burns.
“He was in quite a lot of pain … we bandaged him up, conducted chest X-rays and regularly checked on his wounds,” she said.
“It’s so good we could treat him … he will have the stitches removed from his ears shortly and he will make a full recovery.”
MORE NEWS
TEEN THREATENS TO BURN DOWN COURT
COMMUNITY SAVES HOMELESS MAN AND DOG
The Thomson family, who were uninsured, have moved into separate accommodation until they find something permanent.
Jennifer said despite losing all of their belongings except a few things in storage, they were grateful to hold onto their beloved pet.
“Everything we lost is just materialistic things … all of which can be replaced,” she said.
“We’re just happy to be okay.”
Pet Medical Crisis is a not for profit organisation which has provided funds for 525 injured animals whose owners have been unable to afford veterinary care.
To donate, visit petmedicalcrisis.com.au
If you or anyone you know are experiencing personal difficulties, call Lifeline on 13 11 14