Merry Christmas From Rosie

Rosie would like to wish all the cats in the world (and their human staff) a very Merry Christmas.

Larry's New Scratching Post

Fairly pleased with my new scratching post...
(Photo @justin_ng) pic.twitter.com/lXQjjNfWF9

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) December 20, 2019

#CatsatPollingStations

@Dotcott91421271 Dave's @ the Walford community centre, polling station keeping an eye on the proceedings. #EastEnders #catsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/4LERLuDl0J

— Noel Derek Hillier (@hillier_noel) December 12, 2019

So me and Bradley made it along to Vote For Love #catsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/uHmxV3AIPg

— Trevor Ward 🇪🇺 (@willwrite4cake) December 12, 2019

#catsatpollingstations she follows me everywhere if I walk from home pic.twitter.com/tWUhidM0GF

— William 🇬🇧 (@PirateMute) December 12, 2019

#dogsatpollingstations not #catsatpollingstations except this little one who accompanied us and would like to vote for more kibble! pic.twitter.com/l8EqwlxqVA

— Charlotte (@cmdhindle) December 12, 2019

#catsatpollingstations No this isn't Larry @Number10cat pic.twitter.com/JgmX8FDeNI

— Gladstone, Esq. (@TreasuryMog) December 12, 2019

Kicking off the #catsatpollingstations pictures with this. Expect a few more over today #GE2109 pic.twitter.com/0q7QHI9htm

— Gladstone, Esq. (@TreasuryMog) December 12, 2019

#catsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/uQsvB16aL7

— James 🦄 (@MoonageJames) December 12, 2019

Spotted near my polling station in West Ham #catsatpollingstations 🐈 pic.twitter.com/1QrEWFiSNS

— Callum S (@G0CartMozart) December 12, 2019

You made my day Tweeting your awesome poem again 😻😺😸 Was talking about it on my feed with @ZooSAR and others earlier this morning 👍#ElectionDay #catsatpollingstations pic.twitter.com/dyiEx19oEc

— Annie Mole (@Anniemole) December 12, 2019

Wait!#catsatpollingstationshttps://t.co/2QUDUL1iCz

— Nano Cat Sammy (@Nanocatsammy) December 12, 2019

It's that time again folks.
It's not always about #dogsatpollingstations . The #catsatpollingstations deserve their moment in the limelight also.#GE2109 pic.twitter.com/v2y4yjB2y9

— John Griffiths (@ZooSAR) December 12, 2019

Clearly not happy about being dragged to a polling station after a trip to the vet.#catsatpollingstations#VoteTacticalNotTribal pic.twitter.com/vJN2JG5ceq

— Brent Rees (@brent_ap_rees) December 12, 2019

#catsatpollingstations Spot the cat. pic.twitter.com/rsoge7B2s7

— Gladstone, Esq. (@TreasuryMog) December 12, 2019

The Christmas Cat of Iceland

At Christmas time in Iceland, families give warm clothing to each member of their household.

According to legend, there is a frightening Christmas Cat who stalks the snowy countryside and gobbles up anyone not equipped for the cold and wintry weather.

You all know the Yule Cat

And that Cat was huge indeed.

People didn’t know where he came from

Or where he went.

 

He opened his glaring eyes wide,

The two of them glowing bright.

It took a really brave man

To look straight into them.

His whiskers, sharp as bristles,

His back arched up high.

And the claws of his hairy paws

Were a terrible sight.

 

He gave a wave of his strong tail,

He jumped and he clawed and he hissed.

Sometimes up in the valley,

Sometimes down by the shore.

 

He roamed at large, hungry and evil

In the freezing Yule snow.

In every home

People shuddered at his name.

 

If one heard a pitiful “meow”

Something evil would happen soon.

Everybody knew he hunted men

But didn’t care for mice.

Rosie Was Unimpressed With The Halloween Cat Pumpkin

Happy National Cat Day - #NationalCatDay

Rosie wishes all cats (and their human staff) a very Happy National Cat Day!

Palmerston On Extended Leave

Reports of my ill-health are false, but thank you to all my followers for their concern! I am healthy and happy, and have been enjoying my extended break from work. I hope to update you all with more news soon. 😺 pic.twitter.com/Y5eHqCS0Zi

— Palmerston (@DiploMog) October 28, 2019

Palmerston To Retire?

@DiploMog Rest well old chum.

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) October 27, 2019

Rosie Likes Roast Pork

Kitty Proof Catflap

One of Rosie's chums "Kitty" (see photo) has, over the last few weeks, worked out how to open the microchip catflap from the outside by hooking her claw under it.

Thus she has taken to bedding down in our house, and eating Rosie's food.

I had a word with the manufacturers of the catflap "Sureflap", and they said their new version locks both ways and will prevent cats from doing this.

I bought the new version, at a 20% discount (courtesy of Sureflap), it locks both ways and connects to the network via a cat eared hub plugged into my router.

I will be installing the new device in the coming days, and then Kitty will have to find somewhere else to break into .

I will let you know if it works.

Friday The 13th - His Coming Was Foretold By The Ancient Mural

 

Cat Faces Down Alligator

Nobody messes with cats...pic.twitter.com/gPcApLmME3

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) September 9, 2019

Kitty Plays With My Underpants

 

Rosie's chum Kitty has found a way to break in through the microchip cat flap.

This morning I found her in the kitchen having a great time playing with my underpants (which she took from the clothes horse)!

I invited her to leave.

Rumours of Larry's Ill Health Unfounded

Doesn't look like he is on his 'last legs' to me...propaganda to shift interest to incumbent dog. @Number10cat is just fine and happy to see me. In your face haters. pic.twitter.com/V77XDiarIE

— Justin Ng (@justin_ng) August 28, 2019

Palmerston Extends a Helping Paw To Rosie

Any agents/publishers around that could help Ken? @Number10cat @TreasuryMog https://t.co/nMtEWrOrJl

— PalmerstonTheFCOcat (@PalmerstonCat) August 21, 2019

Rosie says thank you Palmerston! 

Purring Kitty

 

Rosie's friend Kitty snuck into the house, and settled herself on my office chair.

Listen to her loud purr!

Larry's New Housemate

Dear Larry @Number10cat new house mate out for his first walk this morning from Downing St, The chancellors dog "Bailey" pic.twitter.com/WGF85SFuZ5

— PoliticalPics (@PoliticalPics) August 12, 2019

Happy #InternationalCatDay

Rosie wishes you all a very Happy International Cat Day, and reminds you that every day is cat day!

Cat of The Year Awards 2019

As per the BBC:

Remarkable kitties whose owners say have transformed - or even saved - their lives have earned nominations to be crowned top cat.

The Cats Protection's National Cat Awards 2019 will be held at the Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday. Here are the inspiring tails of the feline finalists and their proud owners.

Rescue cats to the rescue

When Dave Willie was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer, he and girlfriend Olivia Meheux adopted Monty to complete their family for their final few months together.

The 12-year-old tabby brought fun, laughter and companionship to the couple during the toughest of times, said Ms Meheux, of East Grinstead, West Sussex.

The couple married before Mr Willie died aged 26 at a hospice surrounded by those he loved - his wife, family and his cat.

Ms Meheux said: "I'm so grateful for everything Monty did to make Dave's last few months with us as happy as possible."

Alex Eades, from Brighton, got tabby and white cat Nala for her daughter Charlotte when she was seven years old.

When Charlotte was 16 she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and underwent three years of gruelling treatment.

She found ways to cope, including her YouTube channel where she talked about her favourite things - fashion, make-up and Nala.

Charlotte died in February 2016, aged 19. Her mother and brother Miles have continued her YouTube channel and Nala remains a fixture in their videos.

Ms Eades said: "Since we lost Charlotte, Nala has helped me and Miles so much. She's a link to Charlotte, but she's also so much more. She really is the constant in our lives, the heart of our family."

Edwina Norris, from Alcester in Warwickshire, adopted cat JJ with her husband Bill.
When Mrs Norris had cancer she said their pet barely left her side during her long and painful recovery.

"When I became ill he became even more attentive and on the bad days he would choose to come and lie with me. Just stroking him seems to make everything so much better," she said.

Furrever friends

Finn, from Coventry in the West Midlands, lost his father to cancer just weeks after his diagnosis. The 13-year-old, who has Asperger syndrome, became increasingly withdrawn, his mother Gayle said.

But within an hour of meeting eight-year-old stray Jeffree "the change in Finn's outlook was remarkable", she said.

The pair formed a close bond, helping Finn cope with his loss and giving him a purpose in life.

Eight-year-old Finley, from Loanhead in Midlothian, has autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, meaning everyday life can be overwhelming.

But rescue cat Chi has transformed his life, helping him to build social networks by sharing stories about his beloved cat, said Finley's mother Jo.

"Chi really is an ambassador for cats and helping more people understand what wonderful therapy they can be for children with ASD," she said.

Charlie Hammond from Kettering in Northamptonshire was just 14 when he was mugged while out walking with friends. The ordeal left him too anxious to leave the house.

When kitten Cisco came on the scene the fog started to lift, said his mum Zoe. "Cisco gave Charlie a new focus and two years on he's been able to move on with his life," she said.

Heroic tails

Marcia McSwegan, 23, from Glasgow, has global autonomic dysfunction, which can cause her to have seizures and blackout with no warning.

But she said her cat Jack could sense a seizure coming on and would dash to her parents, pacing and behaving erratically to alert them to what was happening.

Even after Marcia came around Jack would not leave her side and was a comforting companion while she recovered, she said.

Aubrey Wilshere from Swansea suffered a brain injury following a diabetic attack and was at home recovering.

His wife Susan said she was out in the garden when their cat Truffles came dashing out meowing in a frantic state.

She followed him back into the house and found her husband having a seizure and called an ambulance.

Mr Wilshere had developed epilepsy and died a few months later but while he was ill Truffles would frequently raise the alarm, his wife said.

Truffles continued to be a source of comfort and support, she said.

Hazel Parkyn, from Swadlincote in Derbyshire, has type 1 diabetes and falling blood sugar levels have meant she could suffer a diabetic attack while sleeping - with potentially life-threatening consequences.

But her cat Walter has sensed when her blood sugar was running dangerously low and would persistently pat her face until she woke, she said.

"He's a really great pet and I love having him around but he's more than that, he's a lifesaver," she said.

Most Caring Cat

Deborah Elm's husband Adam Jacques had cystic fibrosis and was just 39 when he died following a stroke after a lung transplant.

Ms Elm said she adopted Rosie in the hope a pet would help her cope with the huge hole in her life.
She credited Rosie with helping her through the most difficult time in her life, from providing a distraction when her loss seemed unbearable, to cuddling up close when she struggles to sleep at night.

Claire Yates' parents died suddenly a day apart and she struggled to come to terms with her loss.
But her three-year-old cat Herman became her tower of strength, said Ms Yates from Buxton, Derbyshire.

"When things feel difficult, he just watches you and draws you into his sense of peace," she said.

"He's got me through one of the toughest times in my life by giving me unconditional love, lifting my spirits and making me smile even if at first I didn't want to."

Kirsty Ayre, from Clydebank in Dunbartonshire, had already lost her parents within a year of each other when she became the victim of a laser pen attack. She was left blind in one eye and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

But she said her cat Sparky had helped her to cope with every challenge she faced.

And when a separate health condition caused Kirsty to faint, Sparky would gently pat her face until she came around, she said.

"I find it really hard to leave the house but because of Sparky I'm never alone - it's me and her against the world," said Ms Ayre.

Purrfect companions

Luci Mahon from Derby, who has neurological condition ME, took in a thin bedraggled stray and named him Douglas.

Two years later Ms Mahon suffered a brain injury as a result of medication she was taking for another illness.

Ms Mahon said Douglas had been her constant companion, barely leaving her side during a long and difficult recovery.

Abigail Knight was hospitalised with mental health issues in her early twenties and feared she would never live an independent life.

But when she moved into her own flat in Essex with cat Jethro her recovery went from strength to strength.

Years later, when Jethro became ill with diabetes and needed twice-daily insulin injections, Ms Knight gave him all the care he needed.

Jethro went on to develop a brain abscess and once again she nursed him back to health.
Now aged 32, Ms Knight is studying at university, working as a youth support worker and living with girlfriend Holly.

Lorraine and Dave Reid began feeding a shy, thin stray cat near their home in Liverpool. Soon she moved in and they named her Spooky.

Two years later, Dave became ill when his kidney, which had been donated by Lorraine 14 years previously, began to fail.

He also developed skin cancer and needed several operations but he said Spooky made sure he was never alone.

She followed him about the house and brought him "humour and comfort", he said.

Larry The Video

My friends @GloboNews have made a video about me for their viewers in Brazil. It’s well worth watching (even if you don’t speak Portuguese) for the evil music when Palmerston appears!https://t.co/wnTvor8Zyt

— Larry the Cat, Esq. (@Number10cat) August 6, 2019

Britain's Giant Pet Food Factory

Those of you who missed last night's programme on Channel 4 can watch it here, via this link.

Although it was tongue in cheek, it showed that an awful lot of care and attention went into developing pet food by the staff (who were all animal lovers).

Of particular note was the weekly tasting panel, where humans tasted both the cat and dog food!

As per the press release:

"Channel 4 is going behind the scenes at one of Britain’s biggest pet food factories and major research centres in a new 1 x 60’ documentary from Whitworth Media, Britain’s Giant Pet Food Factory.

For the first time in its seventy-year history, pet food manufacturer Mars – makers of more pet food than chocolate - is giving Channel 4 unprecedented access to its vast factory in Melton Mowbray. 
Running 24/7 to keep to its target of producing one million pet food pouches a day the team works obsessively in their quest to satisfy pets of all varieties; from measuring chunks by the millimetre to personally tasting dishes themselves.  They’ll stop at nothing to ensure everything is up to standard.
Narrated by comedian Robert Webb, this one-off documentary provides a fascinating insight into the world of pet food research and manufacture.

Hugh Whitworth, Creative Director at Whitworth Media said: ”This has been an amazing journey into a rarely glimpsed world of poo-centric science, pet-mad employees and what really goes into making mass-produced pet food.”

Joe Leveridge, Site R&D Manager, at Mars Petcare UK: “We know how much love there is for pets in this country. That’s why I’m delighted to be opening our factory doors for the first time and showing everyone just how much research, expertise and passion goes into creating products that feed so many of Britain’s furrier friends. I’m so excited to take the viewers on this journey with me and my colleagues and share how we are guided by our purpose of making a better world for pets.”

Becky Cadman, Channel 4 Factual Entertainment Commissioning Editor said: “This is an eye-opening insight into what goes on behind the scenes at one of the UK’s biggest pet food manufacturers.”

Britain’s Giant Pet Food Factory will air on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursday 1st August 2019.  It was commissioned for Channel 4 by Commissioning Editor Factual Entertainment, Becky Cadman and Executive Produced by Hugh Whitworth and Nina Davies for Whitworth Media."

That being said, Rosie got bored watching itand went off for a nap!

Rosie Takes a Nap on the Sofa

Boris and Carrie are Cat Lovers

Great News, dear Larry Esq @Number10cat is in great shape this morning, joined me for breakfast, and I hear Boris is cat friendly, and Carrie the same, as in old pics of her posing with him in weekend papers, as for a dog moving in Fake news! Happy day's. pic.twitter.com/SP5VVo9Aiw

— PoliticalPics (@PoliticalPics) July 29, 2019

Trouble Brewing at Number 10

Boris Wants a Dog in Downing Street https://t.co/C4sv8hD0Iy

— Guido Fawkes (@GuidoFawkes) July 25, 2019

Larry Feeling The Heat

Larry Is a Star In Germany

Hi @Number10cat you're making German headlines! The article reflects on Boris becoming PM and the headline reads "Ratters amongst equals", 'Rattenfänger' also being figurative for 'pied piper'. pic.twitter.com/4nuOvjXTxm

— Nofretüte (@FrauDinktoc) July 23, 2019

Warm Weather Coming

Morning, all! pic.twitter.com/UwDlmWK1nP

— Accountancy Age (@AccountancyAge) July 22, 2019

Cats The Movie

Dame Judi Dench was so meticulous in her preparation for her role in Cats, that for the last six months she’s been pooing in a tray in the conservatory, brought home dead birds, and hung around the neighbours’ house so often they started feeding her. pic.twitter.com/rQz4W0TfMx

— Alistair Coleman (@alistaircoleman) July 18, 2019

The Cat Scale

I am currently at number 3.

Don't Blame The Cat!

Rosie Enjoying Some Freshly Cooked Lamb's Liver

Morning Has Broken!

Morning has broken, and I am greeted by not just by my cat (Rosie), but by her chums Kitty and Aslan (Kitty's son) who seem to have tailgated Rosie in through the cat flap during the night!

Cat Lookalikes

People keep telling me I look like Ron Swanson. I can’t see it myself. #lookalike pic.twitter.com/CVZyBTpGd1

— Leo (@leosdiaries1) June 27, 2019

Aslan's Shoe Polishing Service

Rosie's friend Aslan made a thorough job of polishing my shoes, so thorough in fact that he overbalanced and rolled over mid polish (much to his surprise!).

Rosie Expresses Her Disgust With The Weather

Rosie is fed up with the weather, and has decided to express her disgust with it by sleeping on freshly laundered clothes!

Larry To Be Invited To Buckingham Palace?

Send for Larry! pic.twitter.com/nwUA0CK1R7

— Ken Frost (@ken_frost) June 23, 2019

Larry Takes Some Exercise

Proof that, contrary to what some people say, I do exercise: https://t.co/dVM25sfz2q

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) June 19, 2019

Gladstone Is Approaching His Third Anniversary at The Treasury

Pssst. Keep an eye out for a party announcement soon. It's coming up for my 3 year anniversary of arriving here at HM Treasury. pic.twitter.com/R92FPhGZmH

— Gladstone (@TreasuryMog) June 17, 2019

Boris Loses Cat Vote

Somehow, our cat Marvyne has taken a dislike to Boris Johnson pic.twitter.com/8WhQtD0FTl

— vdimascio (@dimasciov) June 12, 2019

Rosie's Friend Aslan Napping on The Garden Table

Last Night of The Cats of Hanover Pawtrait Exhibiton

Last night was the official close of the Cats of Hanover Pawtrait Exhibition in the Dover Castle pub Hanover Brighton.

It went off with a bang with a stand up Cat Comedy show The Cat's Whiskers hosted by Laura King.

Rosie has asked me to thank those who organised and put the exhibition together (Eva Ohsoswedish, Lucy Clifford, Dorothy Norkett et al), Laura King and her troupe of cat comedians (John Rands, Leaf Plant, Sallyann Fellowes and Steve Barry) for last night's splendid show, the good people of the Dover (Adam Odling, Louise Beck, Rachel Nomade, Annie and David J Carrick) for hosting it, the local talented artists who donated their time and splendid artwork to the exhibition and all of you who came along to look at and buy the pawtraits.

The pawtraits will be taken down on Friday afternoon, so if you want one last look (or indeed want to buy one) please pop along to the Dover before Friday afternoon.

Larry Causes Security Incident During Trump's Visit To Downing Street

Security incident in Downing Street after Larry the Cat tries to get inside The Beast.

He is currently sat underneath the car meaning it can’t move. pic.twitter.com/ZxQIwzOD4S

— Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) June 4, 2019

Larry Is The Star Attraction

Cat Cake

I remember the time I knew what happiness was pic.twitter.com/2nEJjPLIRc

— 70s Dinner Party (@70s_party) May 31, 2019

Hatty The "Bridge" Cat Has Come Home

Hatty the cat that was stuck on a railway bridge for six days, sparking a major rescue operation, has walked home.

Five-year-old Hatty got trapped on the 30ft (9m) section of the Royal Albert Bridge, which connects Plymouth and Saltash, on Friday.

Firefighters spent hours trying to rescue her while Network Rail planned to close the line to help save her.

Owner Kirsty Howden told Plymouth Live she was "shocked and elated" Hatty had returned home on Wednesday night.

How very typical "cat" to cause a major fuss, then walk home as if nothing had happened!

RIP Grumpy Cat

Some days are grumpier than others... pic.twitter.com/ws209VWl97

— Grumpy Cat (@RealGrumpyCat) May 17, 2019

The 5th Annual Cats of Hanover Portrait Exhibition Opens Tonight

@TreasuryMog @Number10cat @PalmerstonCat tonight is the opening of the 5th Annual Cats of Hanover Portrait Exhibition, runs until 4th June at the Dover Castle Pub, Southover St Brighton 100% of sales go to Lost Cats Brighton. Opening night cat quiz & cat tea towels on sale pls rt pic.twitter.com/QGODIqelFO

— Ken Frost (@ken_frost) April 30, 2019

Thank you Gladders for the RT, Rosie (who founded the Cats of Hanover Facebook Group) says thank you too! pic.twitter.com/ZcD0BR1p9n

— Ken Frost (@ken_frost) April 30, 2019

Happy World Book Day

Happy #WorldBookDay to you all pic.twitter.com/inWrHWfrjM

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) March 7, 2019

Hello Kitty To Be Turned Into Hollywood Movie

Hello Kitty to be made into Hollywood film https://t.co/APaMbEX4LU

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) March 6, 2019

They are looking for ideas and writers!

Palmerston Put On Diet

Breaking: Been told by a Policeman that Palmy's on a strict regulated food diet now to get his *cough* weight *cough* back down. And I'm not allowed to feed him any dreamies for the time being. Nothing said about @Number10cat though.

— Justin Ng (@justin_ng) February 26, 2019

Happy Cat Day To The Cats of Japan

Today is cat day in Japan. Pamper your cats accordingly if you are Japanese (or any nationality to be honest) 😺 pic.twitter.com/OH2nGJavN3

— Gladstone (@TreasuryMog) February 22, 2019

Happy Valentine's Day

Rosie would like to wish you all a Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year

新年快乐! 恭喜发财! Happy New Year everyone! #YearOfThePig pic.twitter.com/4uFUVNWnHU

— Palmerston (@DiploMog) February 5, 2019

Happy Burn's Night

A very happy Burns Night to those of you toasting the immortal memory of Robert Burns - my cousin, McLazza, shall be celebrating by eating the great chieftain o' the puddin-race!#BurnsNight2019 pic.twitter.com/CpaZln1tmF

— Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 25, 2019