CAT’S DEATH VIGIL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3551, 15 June 1912, Page 3

CAT’S DEATH VIGIL.

FLIES AT INTRUDER FROM SHOULDER OF DEAD MISTRESS.

An astonishing tale of a cat’s fidelity and sorrow —since cats are supposed to be less devoted to people than dogs—was told at- a Chelsea inquest. The inquest was held on the body of Sarah Ann Tumroe, aged seventy, the widow of an artist, of Gertrude Street, Chelsea, who was found dead in bed with the cat on her shoulder. Mrs Turnroe appeared to be asleep, and when a boy touched her the cat liew at him.

Reared from kittonliood by Mrs Turnoe, the cat—by name Minniehad been her closest companion for fifteen years. By her last vigil Minnie showed that cats can be as faithful and loving as dogs. But the death of her mistress proved the death of uie cat. The cat for days was inconsolable, and had to be drowned as the most humane way to end its grief.

At the inquest Mrs Griffiths, at whose house Mrs Turnroe lived, stated that when her little boy took Mrs Turnroe an early morning cup of tea the cat was sitting on her shoulder. Seeing the boy, Minnie was roused to such extraordinary fury in its attempt to prevent his approach to her dead mistress that she flew at the boy, knocking the teacup out of his hand.

The cat was all 'black except for a white patch on her chest. She showed distress whenever Mrs, Turnroe went away for a day or two, calling dismally. for the day together. Mr. Turnroe died a year ago, and the cat then visibly grieved and moped for his death.

v When a doctor was called in to see the dead body of Mrs Turnroe the cat was still on the bed—at the time at the feet of its mistress. Later in the day the body of Mr Turnroe was removed to a shell. Then the grief of the cat was pitiful.