Palmerston (cat) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Palmerston
Palmerston in 2017
Chief Mouser to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Held title 13 April 2016 – 7 August 2020
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Prime Minister	David Cameron Theresa May Boris Johnson
Foreign Secretary	Philip Hammond Boris Johnson Jeremy Hunt Dominic Raab
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Vacant
Personal details
Born	2014 (2014)
Died	12 February 2026(2026-02-12) (aged 12) Hamilton, Bermuda
Nationality	British
Residence	Foreign and Commonwealth Office (former)
Occupation	Mouser
Gender	Male

Palmerston (born in 2014, died on February 12, 2026) was a very special black-and-white cat. He held an important job in London as the Chief Mouser for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). The FCO is the part of the UK government that works with other countries. Palmerston started his role on April 13, 2016, and was known for keeping the FCO building in Whitehall free of mice.

Palmerston: The UK's Diplomatic Cat

Palmerston was a famous tuxedo cat who became a beloved figure in British government. He was named after a former important leader, Lord Palmerston. His job was to help protect important government buildings from pests.

A Special Job: Chief Mouser

The idea for a Chief Mouser at the FCO came from the success of Larry, the Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street. Larry's job was to keep the Prime Minister's home free of mice. Sometimes, George Osborne's cat, Freya, also visited the FCO, showing how helpful cats could be. This led to the official creation of Palmerston's role.

From Shelter to Whitehall

Palmerston came from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a place that helps animals find new homes. He was chosen for his important job because he was a skilled hunter. He quickly settled into his new home at the King Charles Street building, which is part of the FCO.

Palmerston's Adventures in London

Palmerston quickly became famous for his adventures.

• On May 3, 2016, news spread that he had caught his very first mouse, proving he was excellent at his job.
• He often had playful stand-offs with Larry, the Chief Mouser from Downing Street. On July 11, 2016, cameras caught them facing each other near Downing Street.
• Palmerston was quite mischievous! On July 26, 2016, he was caught sneaking into Number 10 when the famous black door was left open. Police officers who guard the building gently escorted him out.
• On August 1, 2016, a journalist saw Palmerston and Larry in a serious cat-fight. Palmerston got a small injury to his ear, and Larry lost his collar during the playful tussle.

Cats Around the World: Palmerston's Envoys

In October 2017, Palmerston "appointed" other cats to similar roles in different countries. These cats became like his special representatives overseas.

• Lawrence of Abdoun: This black-and-white street cat was rescued and given a job at the British Embassy in Amman, Jordan. He was named after a famous British officer, T. E. Lawrence, and the neighborhood where the embassy is located.
• Leyla Pixie: An orphaned kitten from Turkey, Leyla Pixie was adopted by the British Consulate General in Istanbul.

Retirement and a New Role

After years of dedicated service, Palmerston retired from his role as the FCO's Chief Mouser on August 7, 2020. His "resignation" was announced on Twitter, and he moved to the countryside to enjoy a more relaxed life away from the public eye.

However, Palmerston's story didn't end there! On February 3, 2025, it was reported that he had come out of retirement for a new job in Bermuda. He became a "feline relations consultant" for the new Governor of Bermuda, Andrew Murdoch, who had adopted Palmerston after his retirement.

Remembering Palmerston

Palmerston passed away on February 12, 2026. He was remembered as a dedicated and beloved Chief Mouser who brought joy and a unique charm to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

See also

• Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office
• Gladstone (cat), Chief Mouser to HM Treasury since 2016
• List of individual cats