Adopt an Object – Dead cat anyone?

How about a really unusual present idea for Christmas or even a birthday?

Forget socks, towels or a box of chocolates – how about the chance to adopt one of 12 Horsham Museum & Art Gallery objects?

The money raised helps fund important projects at the museum, such as the conservation of our collection and the purchase of important objects. You can set the adoption up to give as a present for someone else.

All the details can be found on our Adopt an Object web page.

This week we are featuring one of the most strange objects in the Museum’s collection – a desiccated (mummified) cat!

The animal, which is in the Museum’s Cabinet of Curiosities, was most likely walled up in a house many decades ago (most probably after it had died!).

This practice dates back to medieval times as it was believed the poor creature would warn off evil spirits. It continued right up to the 18th century.

The whole idea may seem a bit gruesome, but Horsham Museum’s desiccated cat has proved one of the most popular artefacts to be adopted!