Reports are emerging of a remarkable story of cross-species altruism involving the adoption of a lonely old woman by a group of thirty-six cats.
Homeless, penniless Abigail Pike, 74, was facing a bleak future until the kind-hearted felines took pity on her and decided to take her under their collective paws. After renovating a long-abandoned bungalow the marvellous moggies set about catering to Abigail's every whim, refurbishing her wardrobe, teaching her computer skills and enrolling her in the Open University. "They spoil me rotten", says a delighted Abigail.
Asked for his opinion on these events self-proclaimed cat guru Malcolm Clark replied "I was right all along, oh God, I was right all along. Now they'll start returning my calls, oh yes."
A cloud did briefly threaten to darken this idyllic tale when the owner of the bungalow turned up and demanded that Ms Pike immediately vacate his property but he has since vanished without trace.