Meet the super cats ‘Missy found lumps in my breast’

We’ve all heard stories of dogs who have achieved amazing feats and saved their owners, but these three readers say their feline friends have equally extraordinary superpowers...

Angela Tinning, 43, is an educational finance officer from Lemington, Newcastle. She lives with her husband, Simon, and their children, Aaron, 23, and Amber, 12.

‘Ilove those extra minutes at the end of the day when I can have one last cup of tea and read my book with no distractions. It’s also the time when our cat, Missy, lets me stroke her. She’s a classic tabby and is affectionate, when she chooses to be. After ignoring us all day, she’ll wander over for a cuddle. It’s our time.

One particular night back in 2013 was just like any other, and Missy jumped on my lap. However, she soon became agitated – moving around, nuzzling me, and pressing her body against my chest.

In the days that followed, Missy followed me everywhere. Perhaps, most tellingly, whenever I sat down, she’d rub the side of my breast with her cheek.

I’d heard stories about pets who sensed when their owner was ill and, although I couldn’t find any lumps, I booked an appointment with my doctor, just in case.

My GP referred me to hospital, where a mammogram and ultrasound found breast calcifications – calcium deposits that can lead to cancer, which I couldn’t see or feel.

I then had two procedures to remove the lumps before I was given the all-clear. The relief was overwhelming and, sure enough, when we arrived home, Missy was right back to ignoring me!

Sadly, last year, Missy started following me around again, and nudging at my chest. I was devastated when further tests revealed another area of calcification.

My prognosis is still unclear but, although the future is uncertain, I know that I owe my health to Missy. Without her, I wouldn’t have been diagnosed so quickly and my story could have been very different.’