With their familiarity and closeness to humans, cats have become one of the most beloved animals throughout history. They have played an important role in many cultures, especially in the world of spirituality.
Top 8 Famous Cats in History
Unlike other Asian countries celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, in Vietnam, 2023 is the Year of the Cat, represented by the feline for the entire year. Cats have always been close companions to humans. Throughout human history, they have been valued, with some cats even honored or holding significant positions.
Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office of the United Kingdom
This is the official title given to the resident cat at the Prime Minister’s residence in the United Kingdom. The title has been awarded to many cats since 1515 when Cardinal Wolsey established it for his pet while in power. However, it wasn’t until Larry, the current resident of 10 Downing Street, appeared that the Chief Mouser title gained significant attention.
Grumpy Cat
Perhaps one of the most famous cats today is Grumpy Cat, whose real name was Tardar Sauce. Due to a condition known as feline dwarfism and a skeletal abnormality, this famous cat had distinct facial wrinkles that made it appear perpetually angry. At the height of Grumpy Cat’s fame, she had over 2.6 million followers on Instagram and 1.5 million followers on Twitter. Grumpy Cat passed away in 2019 at the age of 7.
Space Cadet Felicette
Felicette was the first and only cat to return to Earth after traveling into space. On October 18, 1963, Felicette was launched into space by the French space agency. French scientists conducted this project to study the effects of microgravity on animals to better predict outcomes for humans. Felicette was selected for the challenging mission out of 13 other cats trained alongside her due to her calm demeanor.
Crème Puff – The Longest-Living Cat in Guinness World Records
Crème Puff is known as the oldest cat in history and holds the Guinness World Record for her longevity. Crème Puff passed away after living for 38 years and 3 days. She hailed from Austin, Texas. Her owner believed her longevity was due to a diet consisting of turkey, bacon, eggs, asparagus, broccoli, and coffee with cream.
Stationmaster Tama
Tama was a beautiful Calico cat who was appointed as the stationmaster at Kishi Station, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, in 2007. Her official duty was to welcome passengers and look adorable.
Tama was paid in food, wore a golden nameplate around her collar engraved with her official title, and even had a specially made stationmaster hat to fit her small head. Tama passed away in 2015. It is estimated that Tama contributed 1.4 billion yen to the Japanese economy from tourism as many people came to Wakayama just to visit the little cat at the station.
Silver Screen Star Orangey
Best known for his role as “Cat” in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, superstar Orangey starred alongside some of the most famous actors of his time, such as Audrey Hepburn and Dick Van Dyke. The cat also appeared in numerous films and television shows. Orangey’s acting career was so successful that he even won a Patsy Award. He was known to have “star syndrome,” often scratching and biting his co-stars before running away.
Mayor Stubbs of Talkeetna, Alaska
After the people of Talkeetna, Alaska, grew dissatisfied with every human candidate in the local mayoral election, they decided to vote for a stray cat that often roamed the town named Stubbs. Stubbs’ mayoral office was established in the town’s grocery store, where the cat served for 20 years until retirement. Every afternoon, the feline mayor could be seen enjoying a glass of water and food at one of the town’s local restaurants. Stubbs passed away in 2017 and was ceremoniously buried by his constituents.
Ta-Miu – The Only Preserved Pet Cat
Ta-Miu is one of the most notable cats from ancient Egypt, being the pet of Pharaoh Amenhotep III during the 18th dynasty. This ancient cat was even honored more than her human owners. After her passing, Ta-Miu was mummified and buried in a sarcophagus adorned with gold and precious stones, featuring intricate illustrations.
