The heroic kitty began to cry when flames started in the family's garage about 5 a.m., WOOD-TV, Grand Rapids, Mich., reported Thursday.

Officials said smoke detectors in the home did not sound at the time of the fire, but luckily for the family, Oreo did. The cat's cries from the garage reportedly woke the family of eight and sent them rushing out of the house.

Fire damaged the garage and one bedroom, officials said.