Mummified Cat Discovered in Thatched Roof of 18th-Century Cottage

Homeowners Michelle and Declan Keane expressed surprise after a mummified cat was discovered within the thatched roof of their 18th-century cottage. The couple had been undertaking renovations on the property, located in the village of Milton Abbas, Dorset, which they acquired during the coronavirus pandemic. The discovery of the deceased feline was communicated to the married couple by their builders via a phone call on Monday. Believed to be an element of a superstitious practice intended to bestow good fortune upon the residence, the Keanes indicated their intention to reinstate the cat to its original location. The cottage, constructed in 1773 and purchased by the couple for their retirement, had been awaiting planning permission for its renovation. After a three-year delay, work on the property commenced in September. Ms Keane stated, “On Monday I got a call from the builders saying they’d found a mummified cat in the thatch.” She added, “I didn’t even know it was a thing – it was a bit of a shock.” Ms Keane mentioned conducting research and consulting her architect, who recommended returning the cat to its place. According to Ms Keane, “History says they were put in the roofs of these houses hundreds of years ago to ward off evil spirits and to bring good luck.” She further speculated, “The house actually backs onto a graveyard so I reckon it was put there to ward off any evil spirits.” The Keanes have directed their builders to replace the cat in its discovery location, while simultaneously exploring methods for its future preservation. Ms Keane expressed, “I want him to stay there in the best possible way.” She reflected, “It’s such a historic part of Dorset and to find something like that really makes you think about the past, and the history of the house as well.”