Smudge the cat spotted five-year-old Ethan Fenton being approached by three older boys whilst he was playing in their front garden.
Ethan was with his two-year-old brother Ashton.
Mum Sarah told The Metro: “I was keeping an eye on the boys who were playing football in the front garden.”
“I saw three boys who were much taller and older than Ethan walk over to our front gate.”
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“One of the boys got in Ethan's face and said, 'Oi! Why are you ignoring me?' and pushed him over.”
“That's when I rushed outside and saw Smudge fly out from under our car and jump on the boys chest.”
“I think it was shock more than anything but the boy stumbled backwards, burst into tears and then ran off.”
Twenty-six-year-old Sarah has never seen the heroic side of Smudge’s character come out before now.
"He has never done anything like that before but it was absolutely brilliant seeing him look out for Ethan like that.”
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"He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened,’ she said. “I actually feel so much safer knowing Smudge is around after seeing him defend him like that.
"He is a big part of the family and he is more of a brother to the boys than a cat."
Smudge has been nominated for a National Cat of the Year Award, which was set up by charity Cats Protection.
The ceremony will take place at London’s Savoy hotel.
Have you ever had a pet defend you?