This Memorial Day, while we remember the heroes who served and sacrificed, we also take a moment to recognize some quieter companions—our cats—who, in their own unique ways, have offered loyalty, bravery, and healing when it was needed most.

From warships to wildfires, these five incredible cats reminded the world that heroism isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it purrs.

😼 Simon – The Gallant Ship's Cat of HMS Amethyst

Simon, a black-and-white tomcat, served aboard the Royal Navy's HMS Amethyst during the Chinese Civil War in 1949. After surviving injuries from an artillery shell, Simon refused to rest. He resumed his duties, keeping the ship’s rat population under control and lifting the morale of sailors during a grueling 101-day siege.

His bravery and spirit didn’t go unnoticed—Simon was awarded the Dickin Medal, often called the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. To this day, he remains the only cat to receive this prestigious military honor.

😽 Tara – The Protective Guardian

In 2014, in a quiet Bakersfield neighborhood in California, a young boy named Jeremy was riding his bike when a neighbor’s dog suddenly attacked. Out of nowhere, Tara, the family cat, sprang into action—charging at the dog and chasing it away with no regard for her own safety.

The dramatic moment was captured on security footage and went viral, turning Tara into a global symbol of feline courage. She even earned the "Hero Dog" award, proving that love and loyalty know no species.

😻 Penelope – The Seizure-Detecting Companion

For Zoe, a woman living in Salisbury, UK, life with complex medical conditions meant constant uncertainty. But her cat, Penelope, became her unlikely guardian.

Penelope began sensing Zoe’s seizures before they occurred—alerting her just in time to find a safe space or call for help. Her story captured hearts and earned her a nomination in the National Cat Awards, showing how some heroes simply know when we need them most.

😸 Crimean Tom – The Resourceful Survivor

Back in 1855, during the Crimean War, British officer William Gair came across a well-fed grey tabby roaming the ruins of Sevastopol. Intrigued, Gair followed the cat—later dubbed Crimean Tom—to a hidden stash of food supplies buried beneath the rubble.

That discovery helped feed starving Allied troops. While Tom may not have worn a uniform, his keen instincts earned him a place in history as a wartime savior.

😿 Aggie – The Resilient Returnee

In the wake of the Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles, 82-year-old Katherine Kiefer was devastated. Her beloved Maine Coon, Aggie, had disappeared during the evacuation.

Against all odds, two months later, a weary but alive Aggie was found—her fur singed but her spirit unbroken. Their reunion was filled with tears, captured on camera and shared across news outlets. Aggie’s return reminded us of the fierce resilience in animals—and the love that never fades, even after disaster.