Palmerston, the celebrated rescue cat who rose to fame as the chief mouser at the United Kingdom's Foreign Office, has passed away peacefully in Bermuda. The news was announced via the feline's official social media account, marking the end of a remarkable journey from a Battersea Dogs & Cats Home adoption to a beloved diplomatic figure.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Career
Adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Palmerston served with distinction at the Foreign Office in Whitehall for four years before retiring in 2020. During his tenure, he became known as "Diplocat extraordinaire," charming staff and the public alike with his presence in the halls of power.
In February 2025, Palmerston's social media account revealed he had come out of retirement to serve as "feline relations consultant (semi-retired) to the new Governor of Bermuda." This final chapter in his career saw him continuing his diplomatic work in a more relaxed setting.
The Announcement of His Passing
A poignant post on Palmerston's X account announced: "Palmerston, Diplocat extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on 12 February. 'Palmy' was a special member of the Government House team in Bermuda, and a much-loved family member." The announcement highlighted how this rescue cat had become an integral part of both official and family life.
Retirement and Legacy
Upon his retirement in 2020, a letter addressed to Sir Simon McDonald, permanent under-secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, explained Palmerston's decision to step back from frontline duties. The letter, signed in the cat's name, noted he wished to spend more time "away from the limelight" after enjoying "working from home" during the coronavirus pandemic.
"I have found life away from the frontline relaxed, quieter, and easier," the letter stated, while also reflecting on his significant impact: "My 105,000 Twitter followers show that even those with four legs and fur have an important part to play in the UK's global effort. I have championed our work, built our relationships, and celebrated the diversity of our staff."
Cats in British Political Tradition
Palmerston's passing highlights the long tradition of feline companions in British political life. For decades, cats have served as both practical pest controllers and symbolic figures in government offices. Winston Churchill famously kept a cat named Nelson, while Humphrey served as chief mouser to the Cabinet Office under three prime ministers: Margaret Thatcher, John Major, and briefly Tony Blair.
Currently, Downing Street's chief mouser Larry is celebrating fifteen years of service this weekend. Like Palmerston, Larry was adopted from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and has served six prime ministers, becoming a symbol of continuity during turbulent political times.
A Complex Feline Relationship
Despite an unofficial X account paying tribute to Larry's "old friend" Palmerston, their relationship wasn't always harmonious. A 2019 video captured what appeared to be a hostile encounter between the two feline diplomats, adding a touch of realism to their otherwise celebrated public personas.
Palmerston's journey from rescue cat to diplomatic celebrity demonstrates how even the most unexpected figures can capture the public imagination and play meaningful roles in national institutions. His legacy as "Diplocat extraordinaire" will be remembered alongside other famous political cats who have graced the corridors of British power.
