A Sheffield cat has been hailed as a hero, because it seems to be able to predict its owner's epileptic fits.

Cat owner Michael Edmonds suffers from complex epilepsy and often has no warning of an impending fit, the BBC reports. However, his cat, which was dumped in a river when it was a kitten (this will be significant later), will sit close to Edmonds and stare at his face just before a fit.

Edmonds's step daughter nominated the cat for the Cats Protection "cat protector of the year" award. Tee Cee is one of four cats short listed for the title "Hero Cat".

She told the Beeb that the cat's warnings have proven invaluable to the family.

However, Register reader James Holtom, has another theory.

"The Beeb is foolishly reporting this as 'prediction', when it's perfectly clear that it is the cat that is causing the problem - amusing itself by calling down demons upon the poor fellow and reveling in his torment," he writes.

Indeed, the cat stares at Edmonds, and subsequently Edmonds suffers a fit.

"What more evidence is needed?" Holtom asks.

Indeed. But we have more. Cats have been associated with the dark arts for centuries, so demonic behaviour should be expected, and is entirely in character. Further, this cat has already survived a "trial by water", surely conclusive proof of its witchiness.

Our thanks to Mr Holtom for spotting this one. ®

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