By Lauren Beavis via SWNS
A couple renovating an 18th-century cottage found a mummified cat left to guard against evil spirits – and now their dog is scared to go in.
Michelle Keane, 52, and husband Declan, 58, discovered the feline in the thatch roof of the historic home – and it may have been there for over 200 years.
People once used to conceal a dried cat to protect the home from natural and human disasters, and supernatural attacks from witches or evil spirits.
Michelle, who owns The Dental Works in Essex, said even her dog Paddy will not go into the home – and they have to carry him.
She said: “We thought we would find some artifacts in the cottage, as it is probably the most historic house in the village – but a dead cat wasn’t something we considered!
“Folk law says they put mummified cats in homes to ward off bad spirits and get good luck.
“So when builder said ‘what should I do with it?’, and I said ‘give it back and keep him there!’. The history behind it is so fascinating.”
The couple bought the historic cottage in Milton Abbas, Dorset back in 2021.
The cottage, built in 1773, overlooks a graveyard from St James’ Church – and was unhabitable for two years prior to their purchase.
After a lengthy three-year wait, Michelle says the family finally obtained planning permission to conduct renovations of the property in April this year.
Six weeks ago, they began works and roofers went into the property to begin replacing the old thatch off the roof – which is when they discovered a mummified cat.
The practice of concealing a dried cat to protect the home is believed to have taken place across the UK, Europe and North America from medieval times and potentially up until the Victorian era.
During these times, dried and mummified bodies of cats were frequently found concealed within structures and are believed to have been placed there to bring good luck or to protect the building and its occupants from harm.
Michelle has decided to name the feline ‘Jimmy’ after the nearby St James’ church.
Michelle, who owns The Dental Works in Essex, said even her dog will not go into the home.
She explained: “The dog refuses to step into the house – so I have to carry him in.”
The couple wish to preserve ‘Jimmy’ for future generations, and have decided to keep him in the thatched roof.
Michelle said: “He could have been there for 200 years. The home was built in 1773 – so how long has it been there!
“None of the other people who lived there reported seeing it.
“Everybody has said to put it back and he’s being doing a job of keeping the house safe all this time, so I have.
“It is so lovely to find something so historic in the house, we absolutely love it.
“We’ve bought a piece of history and lots of work goes into maintaining such old homes, so it is our job to look after it.”
