Wilberforce (cat) facts for kids
| Species | Cat |
|---|---|
| Sex | Male |
| Born | 1972 or 1973 |
| Died | 1988 London, United Kingdom |
| Nation from | United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Pet, Mouser |
| Title | "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office" |
| Term | 1973 – 1987 |
| Predecessor | Peta |
| Successor | Humphrey |
| Owner | Cabinet Office |
| Appearance | Bicolor cat (black and white) |
| Named after | William Wilberforce |
Wilberforce was a special cat who lived and worked at 10 Downing Street in London, England. This famous address is the home and office of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who is the leader of the British government. Wilberforce lived there for many years, from October 1973 until November 1987. His official title was "Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office", which meant his main job was to catch mice!
Wilberforce served under four different British Prime Ministers during his time at Downing Street. These leaders were Edward Heath, Harold Wilson, Jim Callaghan, and Margaret Thatcher. People often said he was "the best mouser in Britain" because he was so good at his job.
He retired on April 3, 1987, after many years of service. Another cat named Humphrey took over his important role. Wilberforce passed away in 1988.
Wilberforce: The Downing Street Cat
Wilberforce started his life at 10 Downing Street as a tiny kitten. He was adopted in 1973 from a London branch of the RSPCA, an organization that helps animals. At that time, Edward Heath was the Prime Minister. Wilberforce was officially named the Office Manager's cat, and he even had a special budget for his care.
This black-and-white cat quickly proved to be an excellent mouser. He was so important that the policeman on duty at the front door of Number 10 had to ring the doorbell for Wilberforce whenever he wanted to come inside!
Life at Number 10
Wilberforce was a normal cat, but he had some interesting moments. Bernard Ingham, who used to be Margaret Thatcher's press secretary, shared a funny story. He said that Prime Minister Thatcher once bought Wilberforce "a tin of sardines in a Moscow supermarket" while on a trip.
Ingham himself was allergic to cats and tried to avoid Wilberforce. He once joked, "Bloody Wilberforce used to sit under my desk and I would have a fit of sneezing. I hate cats."
Wilberforce even made a television appearance! During the BBC's coverage of the 1983 UK general election, TV presenter Esther Rantzen was allowed to hold Wilberforce and introduce him to viewers.
Retirement and Legacy
Wilberforce retired in 1986, after 13 years of dedicated service to the Prime Ministers and the Cabinet Office. After his retirement, he went to live a peaceful life in the countryside with a retired caretaker from 10 Downing Street. He passed away quietly in his sleep on May 19, 1988.
Wilberforce was a beloved and important part of 10 Downing Street's history, known for his excellent mousing skills and his calm presence among some of Britain's most powerful leaders.
