Finally, the Culprit Caught: The Case of the Persistent Civet Cat
After a 6‑year saga of mysterious thuds, ceiling cracks and a whole lot of yikes on his property, Collin Chew finally discovered the real reason behind the chaos: a shifty civet cat.
How the Drama Unfolded on TikTok
On August 13, Collin, who goes by @collinchew83 on TikTok, posted a video that sent the platform into a mix of gasps and chuckles. He opened with a simple question that would become an internet quick‑fire:
“I was wondering why my ceiling has this loud thud and is slightly damaged…”
- Location? Collin’s home is a landed house (exact address? Nope… that’s a mystery).
- Evidence? The video was topped with photos of the ceiling’s chipped sections.
- Resolution? A team of NParks contractors snared the creeper in a plastic bag, and just like that—problem solved.
The Contractors Get the Credit
Collin’s caption was a triumphant shout‑out:
“Finally we caught the culprit! Thanks to NParks and the contractors.”
We can’t blame him for the relief. After years of wondering in silence, it turned out “the creature” was just a cheeky civet cat, the size of a small dog, only now it was in a bag instead of sleeping on the ceiling.
Why the 6‑Year Mystery?
People were left puzzled, constantly asking, “How did it take so long?”
Collin answered with a little humor: “She’s been a stealthy little thief all this time—stealthy as an otter, but for a different reason.”
Meanwhile, the video has already racked up over 28,400 views and sparked a decent discussion about wildlife‑home clashes in Singapore.
Final Takeaway
Thanks to the NParks crew and a brace of enthusiastic TikTokers, Collin’s ceiling is back to normal—no more thuds, no more worries. And if you’re planning a quiet home, maybe keep an eye out for the “friendly” civet cat. They’re cute, they’re harmless, but pretty sure you won’t want one squatting on your roof.
Chew’s Coffee Mix‑up: The Civet Edition
At a recent get‑together, a spirited group decided to poke a bit of fun at Chew, joking that he could have made the most of a house‑bound civet by treating himself to a sip of kopi luwak instead of chasing the usual cup of joe.
So, What Exactly Is Kopi Luwak?
- It’s coffee that comes from coffee cherries that’ve had a special “pre‑service” session with a civet.
- The civet eats the cherries, and later the beans are collected from the fecal route.
- In short, it’s partially digested coffee that’s still surprisingly aromatic—though some would argue the civet’s taste buds do the heavy lifting.
When Chew considered that suggestion, he laughed it off, but the idea hit home: with the right mad cap of humor, even the most unlikely of ingredients can make for a memorable pot of coffee. Pull‑up a chair, sip the exotic brew, and let the civet’s wild journey add a twist to your daily grind!
What You Need to Know About Those Sneaky Civets
Ever noticed a furry creature scurrying around your roof at midnight? That’s most likely a civet, not a cat, thanks to NParks. These little night-owls are actually more cousins with mongooses than with our feline friends.
Where They Like to Hide
- Jungles: forests and mangroves
- Urban the same: parks, rooftops, and even the nooks of your building
How to Keep Them Out (Without a Cage and a Meal)
NParks gives you a few fool‑proof hacks:
- Seal the roof – plug any gaps that could serve as an entry portal.
- Spotlights are a nudge. A bright beam in the ceiling makes civets think they’re marching into a disco and helps them move on.
- Don’t leave food baring eyes out. If you’re keeping snacks inside, make sure windows and doors are shut for the night.
Need a Hand? Contact NParks’ Animal Response Centre
If the little critter gets stuck or looks hurt, call 1800‑476‑1600. They’ll guide you on the next steps.
Remember…
They’re harmless, but if you’re dealing with a trapped or injured civet, this is the right line to dial. Feel free to keep a friendly distance—after all, they’re just nighttime neighborhood wanderers.
