Angel the Cat Lives Up To His Name, Gives Life to Rescue Owner from Fire

Reed McIntosh’s cat Angel certainly lived up to his name earlier this week.

The 74-year-old was sleeping in his Texas home on Tuesday night when Angel, one of his five cats, began pawing at his face. McIntosh recalled to Fox 4 that he initially didn’t notice Angel, but the cat persisted in trying to rouse him.

“He did it again, and I sort of sat up, like ‘what?!” he said.

Reed McIntosh quickly realized what Angel was trying to tell him when he heard a beeping smoke alarm, and realized his house was on fire. He was able to escape the house and call 911.

However, in all the commotion, McIntosh was unable to corral any of the cats, Angel included.

Once firefighters got the blaze under control, Animal Control went in to rescue the animals only to find that all five had succumbed to smoke inhalation. McIntosh was able to say goodbye to the animals, as officials brought out each of the bodies for him to pay respects.

“I thought (bringing the bodies out) was very thoughtful and brought them up on the porch, and I held them. I loved them,” he said.

In addition to losing the animals, McIntosh lost the home that he’d lived in for many years. This included items from his marriage to his late wife Elaine, and items that he would sell on eBay to make extra money. McIntosh has set up a GoFundMe account to try and get his life back together.

Despite his losses, Reed McIntosh is still thankful for the actions of the heroic cat that saved his life.

“If it hadn’t been for Angel, I would’ve been dead,” he said. “I think that was destined to be his name. I think he was destined to be here to save me on a Valentine’s Day. I’ll never forget.”