Brave cat dies after leaping into action to protect children from deadly snake

A ‘four-legged hero’ has died after leaping into action to protect two young children from one of Australia’s most dangerous snakes.

The cat, named Arthur, was in the backyard of his Queensland family’s home when an eastern brown snake slithered in.

The eastern brown is one Australia’s most venomous snakes.

According to the Animal Emergency Service, which is based across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, the snake went right up to two children playing.

Arthur jumped at the snake to protect the children and killed it.

But he was bitten in the process.

“In the chaos of getting the children out of the yard, no one saw the actual bite, but Arthur collapsed and quickly recovered like nothing was wrong not long after,” the vet service wrote on Facebook.

“Collapse events like this is a common symptom of snake bites, although not a well-known symptom amongst pet owners.”

AES said Arthur collapsed again the following morning and was unable to get up on his own.

The family took him to the Tanawha hospital, on the Sunshine Coast, for treatment.

However, the bite proved fatal.

“His family, understandably devastated, remember him fondly and are forever grateful he saved the children’s lives.

“Arthur was always getting into mischief; he had previously visited us before, having been in accidents and was very much loved by our team.”