400 Year-Old Mummified Cat Discovered in Home Renovation (pic for those that may be squeamish)

[Maine-ah]

http://www.petside.com/petsideblog/2009/06/400-year-old-mummified-cat-dis.php?obref=obnetwork


Many years ago, during renovation of my small house, circa 1901, contractors found the inner walls lined with old newspapers published at that time. Most of them were still in relatively excellent condition. Used at that time for primitive insulation, many of the articles were fascinating, and with gentle handling I was able to salvage several pieces, restore and frame them.

Many of them were about horse racing, and advertisements for equine "patented" medicines. Some even were offering cats and dogs for sale. So I think that cat loving history buffs and those who are interested in anthropology, will find this fascinating newsworthy item to cover all the bases.

Recently, according to an article in the Telegraph.co uk, a 400 year-old mummified cat was discovered in the walls of a cottage under renovation. It is thought that the cat was placed within the walls of the cottage years ago to ward off evil spirits.

According to Mr. Richard Parson, a local funeral director and present owner of the cottage, his neighbors told him that the cat was also found behind the walls 20 years ago, but was replaced by the former resident. The cat is still in recognizable condition, with intact claws and teeth.

[bluesbassman]

1. Squeeee!

:rofl:

[Kali]

5. ...

:spray: :rofl: :thumbsup:

[nolabear]

2. That's some powerful mojo tight there.

Put the kitty back.

[RebelOne]

3. That is a great Web site with a lot of interesting info. n/t

[MilesColtrane]

4. "The Cask of Ameowtilado"

[Sabriel]

7. Hah!

By Edgar Allen Purr

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. Moments like this i really really miss the Duzys.

[mysuzuki2]

11. f"or the love of god mr. whiskers!

[whistler162]

6. Jerry finally outsmatedTom since there is no mummified mouse.

[Xipe Totec]

9. I Clawdius, Empurror of Rowrrr nt

[MorningGlow]

10. "To ward off evil spirits"?

Have they ever considered the cat might have just gotten stuck in there, perhaps when the house was unoccupied? Why is it always some weird notion about superstition and magic? :shrug:

[eppur_se_muova]

15. Well, did you stop to think that maybe they didn't find *any* evil spirits?

Doesn't seem like such a "weird notion" now, does it ?

[Brickbat]

12. I have some friends who live in an old house in England, with parts that date back 400 years. When

they did a renovation on the stone fireplace, they found a baby's baptismal gown and cap, drenched in blood, stuffed behind the firebox.

[Brigid]

13. Yikes!

:scared:

[Brickbat]

14. Right? They brought it out and showed it to us -- they didn't want to put it back, because that

didn't seem right, but once it was out they weren't sure what to do with it. So they put it in a box and kept it in the closet.