Memorial plans for town's beloved three-legged cat

A memorial is planned to a three-legged cat whose adventures and escapades around a town captured the hearts of thousands of fans.

Black cat Salem became a local celebrity, regularly pictured wandering around Daventry and visiting his favourite haunts such as shops and offices in the Northamptonshire town.

His leg was amputated after a serious injury, and although that never held him back, his owner said he was hit by a car earlier this month and died aged 15.

The Arc Cinema is holding a memorial screening showing videos and photos of Salem, and more than £4,000 has been raised by a community group hoping to create a statue of the cat who "embodied everything that makes a community special".

Salem's owner, Erin Hills, described the affectionate cat as her "fur baby".

"We could all use a little Salem in our lives, and I was lucky enough to have that for 15 years - things will never be the same without him," she said.

Her cat had more than 5,000 followers on the Facebook group she set up, enabling people to share their photos and stories about meeting the famous feline.

Hills said she always knew she would be "sharing Salem with the town", but now, the town wants to give back.

As well as Tuesday's special showing at the cinema that was another of the movie-going moggy's haunts, a fundraiser set up by community group Discover Daventry has garnered hundreds of donations.

On its page, the group said Salem "overcame so much with quiet resilience and joy, inspiring everyone who met him".

"His gentle nature, friendly spirit, and unmistakable presence brought comfort and smiles to countless people across Daventry," it added.

"To honour his life and the happiness he brought to our town, we would love to create a permanent statue in Daventry inspired by tributes such as Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh, celebrating a much‑loved local animal who became part of the town's story."

Bobby was a terrier who reputedly sat by the grave of its owner every day and guarded it for the remaining 14 years of his life.

Discover Daventry added: "The statue would be a place for people to remember Salem, smile, and reflect on the small but meaningful joys he gave us all."

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