Palmerston (Cat)

I. Origins: From Battersea to Westminster

Palmerston was not born into privilege or pedigree. Instead, like many famous cats before him, he began life at a shelter – Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – where he was cared for after spending time as a stray. This humble beginning would later echo in his work and in the affection the public held for him. He was named “Palmerston” in honour of Viscount Palmerston, the 19th‑century British statesman who served twice as both Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister, a fitting namesake for a cat destined to roam diplomatic hallways.

In April 2016, Palmerston arrived at the Foreign Office in London. This wasn’t simply as a comfort animal or office mascot; he was installed in the official role of Chief Mouser to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office – a position created shortly before his appointment to mirror the long‑established Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street (held by the famous Larry the Cat). The job was clear in its historic, if whimsical, purpose: catch mice. But for Palmerston, it became much more than that.

II. The Role of a Chief Mouser: Tradition and Modernity

While “Chief Mouser” may sound playful or tongue‑in‑cheek, the role stretches back centuries as an unofficial but respected part of British government life – an acknowledgement of the practicality of feline pest control within the halls of power. Mice and rats in historic government buildings are no laughing matter, and cats have historically been welcomed as a natural solution. Palmerston continued this tradition, quickly living up to his title by catching his first mouse shortly after arrival – a milestone that garnered press attention and delighted many.

But Palmerston’s impact wasn’t limited to pest control. By the mid‑2010s, social media had transformed public engagement with government institutions. Unlike past Mouser appointments, Palmerston came with his own X (formerly Twitter) account, maintained by supporters and staff on his behalf, which attracted over 100,000 followers. Through this platform—branded with cheeky diplomacy‑themed posts—Palmerston became a viral personality: witty, relatable, and emblematic of a softer side of politics. People who might never follow foreign policy closely found themselves amused by the antics of the Foreign Office’s furry representative.

III. Furry Feuds: Palmerston vs. Larry

No story of a famous cat in Westminster would be complete without discussing a rivalry that captured public imagination. During his tenure, Palmerston had a series of high-profile run‑ins with Larry the Cat, the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street. Larry was already a fixture in London political lore, serving as the mouser for multiple prime ministers.

Their clashes were documented on social media and in the press, including incidents where Palmerston was seen in the vicinity of Number 10, sometimes attempting to steal scraps from Larry’s bowls. One notable encounter even resulted in Larry losing his collar and Palmerston suffering a minor ear injury in what was called a “cat‑fight” between the two. The feud delighted the public and press alike, often being portrayed with anthropomorphic humour as territorial disputes or diplomatic squabbles.

Yet beneath the playful rivalry was a profound reflection of how the public loves to humanise animal behaviour—assigning political narratives and personalities to even the simplest of creature interactions. In later years, even Larry posted a tribute to Palmerston following his death, suggesting that the “feud” was remembered with affection, if not some well‑tempered irony.

IV. The Directorial Life: Stress, Breaks, and Office Politics

Contrary to clichés about lazy cats napping all day, Palmerston’s job could sometimes be strenuous. The bustling environment of the Foreign Office, with its steady stream of staff, dignitaries, and visitors, was a far cry from quiet countryside fields. By late 2019, concerns were raised about stress affecting him; his fur was over‑groomed, a sign veterinarians associate with anxiety in cats. For a time, he was given a break from active duty, retreating to calmer surroundings before returning to Westminster life.

This public acknowledgment of an animal’s stress was an unusual but touching moment. It not only celebrated Palmerston’s hard work but also highlighted the way staff and followers cared about his wellbeing—blurring the lines between mascot, coworker, celebrity, and beloved companion. Such discussions also served to remind the public that even symbolic roles require genuine care and consideration.

V. Retirement in the Countryside: A Life Reimagined

After four productive years as Chief Mouser, Palmerston officially retired from the Foreign Office in August 2020. A whimsical “retirement letter” was posted on his social media account, addressed to Sir Simon McDonald, the Permanent Under‑Secretary at the time. In this letter, Palmerston spoke—through the humour of anthropomorphism—about enjoying life away from the limelight, especially after experiencing “working from home” during the COVID‑19 pandemic. He described his new life in the countryside as quieter, easier, and more relaxed—free from the rigours of office life.

In the letter, he also reflected proudly on his accomplishments, noting that his 105,000 followers proved that even “those with four legs and fur” could make meaningful contributions to the UK’s global efforts. Foreign Office colleagues and supporters reacted warmly, wishing him well with his new chapter and celebrating his contributions to office morale and public engagement.

VI. Bermuda Calling: A Semi‑Retirement Encore

Retirement was not the end of Palmerston’s public life. In February 2025, after several years in the countryside, news broke that he was being “lured out of retirement” for a new role overseas. His owner, civil servant Andrew Murdoch, had become the Governor of Bermuda, and Palmerston was appointed as a “feline relations consultant (semi‑retired)” at Government House in Bermuda.

This deployment—humorous in its phrasing yet genuine in its affection—showed how much Palmerston had come to be seen not just as a local celebrity but as a cultural ambassador. In Bermuda, he was described as a cherished member of the Governor’s household and someone who brought warmth and joy to the community. Images and posts from his time there depicted him mingling with staff, exploring the grounds, and continuing to embody the easy charm that had made him beloved by so many.

VII. Legacy and Passing: A Life Well Lived

On 12 February 2026, Palmerston passed away peacefully in Hamilton, Bermuda. His death was announced via his official social media account, which elegantly summed up his impact: “Palmerston, Diplocat extraordinaire, passed away peacefully … a special member of the Government House team … and a much loved family member.” Tributes flowed in from across the UK and beyond—some serious, some humorous, but all marked by affection.

Even old rivals paid tribute: Larry the Cat’s unofficial account simply posted “Farewell old friend x,” demonstrating the enduring charm Palmerston had on those who observed his life. Politicians, civil servants, and ordinary citizens alike shared memories, marking his passing as the end of a unique chapter in British political folklore.

VIII. What Palmerston Meant to the World

At first glance, it might seem surprising that the life of one cat could matter to so many. Yet when we reflect on Palmerston’s journey – from shelter to Whitehall, from rivalry to diplomacy, from retirement to Bermuda – it becomes clear that his life touched something deep within public consciousness.

He represented:

Tradition with heart: A continuation of the British affection for cats in official spaces, honoring a quirky yet grounded national characteristic.
Soft power engagement: In an era where diplomacy extends beyond speeches and treaties into storytelling and culture, Palmerston offered a furry face to an institution often seen as distant.
Human connection: People saw in Palmerston not just a cat, but a personality – curious, independent, occasionally mischievous, always dignified.
Joy amidst seriousness: In times of political tension, social media noise, and global challenges, Palmerston’s presence was a source of light‑hearted community engagement.