The cat kept waking its owner every night and driving her from the bedroom—until a visit to the veterinarian revealed a chilling reason behind its behavior.

with claws.

Two large eyes stared at me from inside the carrier. A big gray cat with thick fur and a calm gaze. No aggression at all.

— What’s happening? — I asked.

Anna exhaled slowly.

— She wakes me up every night. Always around three or four in the morning. First she gently taps my cheek with her paw. If I don’t respond, she hits harder. She may even continue reading …