So-called Cat Man suing over medication

NEW YORK, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A New York man dubbed the Cat Man over an attempted cat rescue alleges in a lawsuit he received unnecessarily heavy medication while institutionalized.

The New York Post said Thursday Chris Muth is suing Long Island College Hospital and 11 hospital workers for giving him medication that is "normally reserved for violent psychiatric patients."

Muth was held in the hospital's psychiatric ward for six days after he attempted to rescue a cat named Rumi in July 2008.

The 2008 incident began when the cat being cared for by Muth became trapped down a 30-foot shaft in Muth's New York apartment building.

In an attempt to rescue the animal, Muth entered an unoccupied apartment in the building. Police were called to the scene and responding officers perceived Muth's rants about a cat in the wall as a likely psychotic episode.

According to court papers, Muth was allegedly given the anti-psychotic drug Halidol during his ensuing visit to Long Island College Hospital.

The Post said Muth, who is suing for $260,000, was later proved sane after Rumi was found and rescued from the apartment shaft. Muth alleges as a result of the incident, he lost his job and apartment.