Cat saves owner from burning Vic home

Move over Lassie, the new hero in town is Sally the cat who saved her owner from his burning home.

Thanks to the quick-thinking tabby, 49-year-old Craig Geeves was alerted to the early morning fire in his Melbourne home and managed to escape.

"She jumped on my head and was screaming at me," he told the Nine Network.

Country Fire Authority Captain Paul Spinks said the owner was lucky to be alive.

"The cat woke him up and he found the fire and proceeded to get outside," Capt Spinks told AAP.

Fire crews found Mr Geeves in the bushes outside his Wandin North home.

He was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene and will be staying with neighbours until he is able to rebuild the property.

The home was gutted in the fire and Mr Geeves lost everything.

"I'm happy to be alive but you can't replace the memories," he said.