"How about an hereditry oddity like a sixth finger? Then the photographer could have caught a photo of his hand as he was coming out? Or is that too far fetched?" Not far-fetched but can you simulate burning at the stake on stage?
An acquaintance of mine keeps Indian Runner Ducks in Peckham. He has a large garden so is able to put up a relatively fox-free run. Foxes will be your main problem over cats. Also, vet in Highshore Road is good with birds.
Lidl in Peckham currently have on sale angora long johns and vests, also skiing gloves, hats and socks (in different parts of the store). This would be a cheap option for you but they change stock quite quickly.