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Escaped burning building with Mr C, who saved my life

56 replies

Corygal · 16/04/2015 22:53

Greetings LT regulars. I'm just about compos enough to type this, because am still knackered. On Tuesday my block of flats caught fire in the night. Not everyone got out, and the police are still trying to trace next of kin for the guy in ITU, so it hasn't been on the news yet.

Me and Mr C are both OK, entirely because of his actions. About 1130pm he stood by the flat front door howling, so I broke off while typing frenziedly to a hideous deadline, and opened the front door. Nothing. He didn't want to go out. I shut the door and grabbed the laptop back. But he stood by the door and suddenly let out a howl I had never heard before. So I thought okaaay and opened up again, swung my head round to see what he was getting at, and saw a plume of smoke rising in leisurely fashion up the lift shaft. The smell of burning was strong.

Grabbed Mr C in both arms and bolted. Met a neighbour who'd come out sniffing and we charged along the corridoors howling at everyone to get out, then caned it down 4 flights of stairs. Mr C weighed a ton but I kept on running. Met about 150 other residents all in pajamas and flip flops all gathered on the common. 4 fire engines, 40 police, you name it. Two hours outside watching the firemen and police, then we got back in. Eyes burning, smell everywhere, everyone coughing madly all night.

Mr C was petrified but I clung on and he was so good - no biting or scratching at all. Loads of neighbours came up to compliment us on his fine looks. I noticed everyone else had grabbed their keys and phone - I just grabbed Mr C.

I have been on aspirin ever since as have stinking tooth abscess not improved by spending half the night barefoot in a park, and Mr C is now living entirely on Gourmet and Dreamies. I didn't think I could love him any more, but I do.

OP posts:
hiddenhome · 17/04/2015 19:08

He is a lovely hero.

Fluffycloudland77 · 17/04/2015 19:11

He's a little Hero isn't he?. He must've smelt the smoke really quickly.

What a close call though. We'd grab the cat before possessions too. Well I would. When Dh's hand heals I'm sure he'll agree.

Any news on the sprinklers?.

cozietoesie · 17/04/2015 19:31

....When Dh's hand heals I'm sure he'll agree....

Grin
GRW · 17/04/2015 19:38

What an amazing escape, and your lovely boy deserves his celebrity status. I am glad your neighbour is recovering too.

Corygal · 17/04/2015 20:53

Fluffy, I'm amazed I still have both forearms. Mr C was held, which he hates, for 2 hours, in my trembling arms. On top of that, loads of the neighbours came up to introduce themselves and give him a pat. Not a single fang or claw appeared. Bad luck your DH, hem. Have you ignored his moans and told him not to upset Fluffycat in future?

As for sprinklers - not a squeak from the landlords. As it happens they've already been done by the council (tho block is private) for Failing To Meet Minimum Standards, which cost us tenants over 250k. The fire brigade was involved then for some reason.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 17/04/2015 21:15

He must have realised how dangerous a situation it was and thought better of going scissor paws on you.

250k, blimey. London prices are always crazy. What caused the fire?.

I did ask Dh what he'd done wrong Blush.

Corygal · 17/04/2015 21:35

The awful thing is the police reckon it might have been arson.

Shame on DH for deliberately upsetting your tiny helpless kitten. Grin

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 17/04/2015 21:54

Oh that's awful, I wonder if someone had a grudge?. What an evil thing to do though.

jeanswithatwist · 17/04/2015 22:08

Wow mrC super hero! Well deserving of the gourmet and dreamies. What a fantastic cat Flowers

Ratfinkandbobo · 18/04/2015 00:58

Yay yay, picture of MrC the celeb cat please!
Relieved neighbour doing OK.
Arson Angry bloody shocking!
Hope the police and fire service fine your incompetent landlord!

juneybean · 18/04/2015 01:04

Wow what a super cat!!

CloserToFiftyThanTwenty · 18/04/2015 01:35

Clever Mr C!

sashh · 18/04/2015 10:08

Does your block of flats have smoke alarms

Only one, called Mr C.

What an absolute star he is

SalvatoreGirl · 18/04/2015 14:23

Well done MrC Star

BlacknWhitePanda · 18/04/2015 14:26

How wonderful! I too am a survivor thanks to my cat.
When I was a baby my cat woke my dad up when a fire started in the spare room.

They are amazing things!!

Corygal · 18/04/2015 21:07

I regret Mr C is not available for photography tonight. He is doing whistly snoring on my new laptop. I have to keep it on so his arse is nicely warmed. Here is this week's portrait, however.

Escaped burning building with Mr C, who saved my life
OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 18/04/2015 21:09

We need a heart emoticons

hope you are all doing ok.

cozietoesie · 18/04/2015 22:00

Passed his 'Blue Period' I see? Grin

Corygal · 18/04/2015 22:08

Cozie, his fur has almost grown back! Regrowth is pure white, terrible cute. Has all-clear from long-suffering vet, no appts till July.

All the treats I put in place for convalescence are still ongoing, obviously. Gourmet on demand, armpit ticking and down duvets are the new normal.

OP posts:
RubbishMantra · 19/04/2015 13:35

I do love a Monsieur Cory photograph.

Coincidentally, my boys alerted me to an, albeit small, fire in the house a couple of weeks ago. They got under my bed and yowled. Woke me up.

Fluffycloudland77 · 19/04/2015 13:47

He's so big, he makes ASBO cat look weedy.

Stillyummy · 19/04/2015 13:53

What a brave boy!

I am so happy you trusted your cat.

juliascurr · 19/04/2015 14:05

best wishes
well done Mr C

Marlinspike · 19/04/2015 14:09

StarStar Mr C! What a fantastic cat!

Corygal · 19/04/2015 16:05

Just nipped out and bought a bouquet of seasonal blooms to compliment his tabby fur for his press portrait tomorrow. Went for guelder roses (green) and orange dahlias. And every pack of Dreamies Tesco had in stock.

Fluffy - nothing could make ASBO cat look weedy. How is DH? Calendula cream is good for bruising, I find.

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