Cats have long been cherished companions to humans, playing significant roles across various cultures and even holding esteemed positions in history. Their intelligence, charm, and enigmatic presence have made them symbols of mystery, luck, and companionship. Here are eight of the most famous real cats that have left their paw prints on history.
1. Chief Mouser at the UK Cabinet Office
The title of “Chief Mouser” has been an official designation for the resident cat at the Office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom since 1515, when Cardinal Wolsey first assigned it to his pet cat. Over the centuries, numerous felines have held this prestigious title, but it was Larry, the current resident at 10 Downing Street, who brought significant recognition to the role.
2. Grumpy Cat – The Internet Sensation
One of the most famous cats of modern times, Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, gained worldwide fame due to her permanently grumpy facial expression, caused by feline dwarfism and an underbite. With over 2.6 million Instagram followers and 1.5 million Twitter fans at the height of her fame, Grumpy Cat became an internet legend. She passed away in 2019 at the age of seven.
3. Félicette – The First Cat in Space
On October 18, 1963, a cat named Félicette became the first and only feline to travel to space and return safely. Launched by the French space agency, she was part of an experiment to study the effects of microgravity on living beings. Out of 14 trained cats, Félicette was chosen for her calm demeanor. Her journey remains a remarkable milestone in space exploration.
4. Crème Puff – The Oldest Cat in Recorded History
Holding the Guinness World Record for longevity, Crème Puff lived an astonishing 38 years and 3 days. She was born and raised in Austin, Texas, and her owner credited her long life to a unique diet, including turkey, bacon, eggs, asparagus, broccoli, and even coffee with cream.
5. Tama – The Stationmaster Cat of Japan
Tama, a beautiful Calico cat, was officially appointed as the stationmaster of Kishi Station in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, in 2007. Her duties included greeting passengers and looking adorable. Tama received a salary in the form of food and had a custom-made stationmaster’s hat. She passed away in 2015, having contributed an estimated 1.4 billion yen to the local economy through tourism.
6. Orangey – The Silver Screen Star
Best known for his role as “Cat” in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Orangey starred alongside Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn and Dick Van Dyke. His impressive acting career earned him a Patsy Award, the animal equivalent of an Oscar. However, Orangey was infamous for his diva-like behavior, frequently scratching co-stars and running off set.
7. Stubbs – The Cat Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska
Disenchanted with human candidates, the residents of Talkeetna, Alaska, elected a stray cat named Stubbs as their honorary mayor. Stubbs served for 20 years, spending his days lounging in the town’s general store and sipping water from a special glass at local restaurants. He passed away in 2017 and was buried with honors by his constituents.
8. Ta-Miu – The Mummified Royal Pet
Ta-Miu was the beloved pet of Pharaoh Amenhotep III during ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty. More revered than many human figures of the time, Ta-Miu was mummified upon death and laid to rest in a lavishly decorated coffin adorned with gold, precious stones, and intricate artwork, signifying her high status.
Conclusion
Throughout history, cats have captivated human hearts, leaving an indelible mark on our cultures and traditions. Whether as a royal pet, a space traveler, or a movie star, these famous felines prove that cats are more than just pets—they are legends in their own right.
