16-05-2025
‘Pilgrim' cat travelled 150 miles to Canterbury
A missing kitten made a 150-mile journey to an historic pilgrimage site.
Percy, a black British shorthair, disappeared in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and was found in Canterbury, Kent, almost a week later.
The journey made by the five-month-old pet is reminiscent of the pilgrimage made by thousands of people in the Middle Ages to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
The kitten's journey has even been compared to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, about medieval pilgrims travelling to the site.
Salisbury Cathedral, which had helped to appeal for information on Percy, said it believed the cat had crept on to a coach to make the journey.
After the animal was reported missing on May 5, an appeal was posted on the cathedral's social media, which was shared by more than 30 people in the hope of the pet being found.
The cat belongs to a member of staff at the cathedral.
On May 12, the church said that 'Percy's pilgrimage' had come to an end when he was found in Canterbury and brought home.
'Must have hopped on a coach'
It said: 'We are pleased to let you know Percy has returned home after a surprise trip to Canterbury! We assume he must have hopped on a coach and gone for a visit, before being found and taken to a vet's to have his chip scanned.
'He is back at home now, and we wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who helped us in locating him'.
People took to social media to welcome the cat's return.
Helen Mooring said on Facebook: 'His name should be Chaucer – bless him it's lovely to hear the intrepid pilgrim has returned home safe and sound.'
Joanne Johnson added: 'Percy has been on a pilgrimage, perhaps thinking he should visit Canterbury Cathedral.'
'Glad he is safely back'
Sue Ludbrook said: 'If only he could talk and tell you about his adventures. Glad he is safely back where he belongs.'
Another reply from Jacqui Josephson said: 'I hope he had a very good excuse. Wonder if he has a girlfriend in Canterbury.'
A regular pilgrimage from Salisbury to Canterbury can take several days to complete. Walkers may expect to pass four cathedrals on route: Salisbury, Winchester, Guildford and Rochester, before arriving at Canterbury.
