Tributes have been paid to Thomas, a 19-year-old cat who was a much loved visitor to Portsmouth Cathedral.
For years he mingled among ranks of choristers and worshippers unashamedly strolling into the city’s Anglican cathedral mid-service unannounced.
But the cathedral announced over the weekend that Thomas, who was known to cuddle up to cathedral singers who petted him as they went about their choral duties, had died.
Canon chancellor and vice dean, Kathryn Percival, said: ‘Portsmouth Cathedral is very sorry to learn of the death of Thomas, a much-loved cat. Thomas was a character.
‘He was 19 and spent lots of time around the cathedral looking for anyone who might give home some attention.
‘He will be missed but he gave lots of people lots of fun and for that we should be thankful,’ she added.
Thomas shared his name with the 12th Century cathedral, which is also known as the Cathedral Church of St Thomas of Canterbury.
