2 min read
341 words
Dark Quiet Dread is a friend to all animals. Cats, dogs, horses…we like them all. We’re not sure about sharks, but then we’ve never met one.
We were excited to start reading this one. Who doesn’t like stories of purring, fluffy, supernatural-adjacent creatures?! But no. This story does not unfold like that.
Clearly, E. F. Benson’s protagonist had some deep rooted issues. Artistic brilliance which seemingly came from nowhere. And perhaps some arrogance in dismissing what had been a pervasive condition.
And…maybe if he’d invited the animal in to his home things may have been different? We cannot judge.
But we would love your thoughts on this story from 1905.
Do you think there was one moment where Alingham could have escaped his fate? Maybe the lesson is never paint pictures of your exes. Or just let the cat inside your home….
Note to listeners: There is some slight editing for context and minor language shift.
‘The Cat’ was first published in The Illustrated London News, 1905. A man thrown over by his fiancée for a better catch, believes he has recovered from his loss. But some things are harder to exorcise than demons.
This story is perfect for late night listening, and this upload includes a gentle audio soundscape (wind, rain, gentle thunder and fire crackling, cat purring, cat meowing) for relaxation, sleep and comfort in the darkness.
This Dark Quiet Dread production presents a retelling of ‘The Cat’ with an original narration, sound design, and atmospheric composition created for immersive bedtime listening.
THE CAT
📖 Author: E. F. Benson (1867–1940)
🎧 Narration & Sound Design: Dark Quiet Dread ©2026
🎼 Original soundscape and production: Dark Quiet Dread ©2026
If you enjoy classic gothic horror, literary ghost stories, and calm atmospheric narration, consider subscribing for weekly bedtime tales.
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🎧 Listen with headphones for full immersion.
CONTENT WARNING: This story contains themes of death, unexplained phenomena, supernatural entities, supernatural horror, and psychological tension. Listener discretion advised.
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