Gerald the Minster Cat, a stone sculpture in Holy Trinity Church, was removed from the popular York Cat Trail recently after being damaged.
The memorial, located in the churchyard off Goodramgate, has now been fully restored and reinstalled.
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A spokesperson for the Churches Conservation Trust said Gerald and his brother Donald arrived in York in 2017 and quickly became favourites among residents and tourists thanks to their playful personalities.
The spokesperson said: “Gerald died in September 2020, prompting the Minster Bells to toll in tribute.
“A memorial sculpture was commissioned shortly after his death.”
Following recent damage to the sculpture, Anthony Bartyla, the Minster stonemason who originally created the memorial, carried out the repairs.
Mr Bartyla has also contributed to conservation work on Lady Row, York’s oldest terrace, which stands next to the the churchyard where Gerald’s statue is located.
The restoration effort also involved Holy Trinity volunteers, Gerald’s owner Justine Spencer, York Cat Trail director Sonia Halejak and site coordinator Gemma Murray.
The Churches Conservation Trust spokesperson said: “Today, Gerald’s stone stands as a lasting tribute, bringing joy to his devoted owner, Justine, and continuing to watch over his brother, Donald, the sole remaining York Minster cat.”
John Hopkinson, founder of York Cat Trail said: “Gerald has been a wonderful addition.
“He adds variety to the trail being set in stone and not resin, and he’s also unusual being found on the ground rather than on a building.
“We are happy to have covered the costs of restoration for Gerald’s sculpture.”
Gerald’s story will be featured during free tours of Holy Trinity Goodramgate on September 12 and 13 as part of Heritage Open Days.
Tours will begin at 11.30am and 2pm and will explore the stories of people connected to the site throughout its 800-year history.