Smudge went into action when the cat saw Ethan Fenton, 5, being harassed by neighborhood bullies. Ethan was playing with his younger brother in their front yard when three older boys came over and began shouting at them. Ethan tried to ignore them, but then one of the older boys pushed Ethan down.

That’s when Smudge came to the rescue, according to Ethan’s mother. She says that the cat raced out from under a car and jumped on the attacking boy’s chest.

The bully, shocked by the feline's actions, began crying and ran off with his pals.

Ethan’s mother says that the family has had the cat for three years but this is the first time they’ve seen the cat’s protective powers.

Smudge now sleeps outside of Ethan’s door every night.

The brave kitty is a Hero Cat finalist at the National Cat Awards.

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