At The Stamford & Cambridge Catsitter, we love looking after all kinds of cats – from shy house kitties to confident explorers. But it got us wondering… what if some of the world’s most famous cats through history needed our services? Here’s what they might book!

1. 🐾 Cleopatra’s Cat – The Royal Pampered Puss

Cleopatra was famously devoted to her cats, treating them like members of the royal household. If her feline companion needed care today, we think they’d opt for:

Booking choice: Extended Overnight stays with plenty of lap time and a sitter who can fan them with palm leaves (or at least provide luxury cuddles).

ancient egypt cat — *Even Cleopatra’s cat would expect royal treatment - Bronze Statue of a Seated Cat, Walters Art Museum*

2. 🐾 Samuel Johnson’s Cat “Hodge”

Hodge, the beloved cat of 18th-century writer Samuel Johnson, was spoiled with oysters and described as one of the most famous literary cats in history.

Booking choice: 30 minute visits, twice a day, with a sitter who’s happy to pop to the fishmonger for fresh treats.

*Photo: Statue of Hodge outside Dr Johnson’s House (public domain). If he were booking today, he’d definitely ask for extra time spent prepping his fish dinners!*

3. 🐾 Félicette – The First Cat in Space

In 1963, Félicette became the first cat launched into space as part of the French space program. She returned safely to Earth and earned her place in feline history.

Booking choice: 24 Hour Service (live-in care) – she’d definitely want the comfort of round-the-clock company and someone to explain why her humans keep building rockets in the garden.

*Photo: Félicette, the only cat ever launched into space (public domain). She’d definitely have booked live-in care with zero gravity, but maximum cuddle quota!*

4. 🐾 Trim – The Explorer’s Cat

Trim sailed with Captain Matthew Flinders in the early 1800s, circumnavigating Australia and winning hearts as a true ship’s cat.

Booking choice: 45 Minute Walks with harness training, plus a sitter who doesn’t mind map-reading and telling tales of the sea.

Trim explorers cat — *Photo: Statue of Trim watching over the State Library of NSW. Even in Bronze, he’d demand a daily adventure briefing!*

5. 🐾 Socks – The White House Cat

Socks was the Clinton family’s cat and one of the most recognisable cats of the 1990s, often appearing in press photos.

Booking choice: 1 Hour visits, once daily, with a discreet sitter who understands the importance of privacy – and can handle the paparazzi at the front gate.

6. 🐾 Keyboard Cat

Keyboard Cat shot to fame in the late 2000s, becoming one of the internet’s most recognisable memes. The quirky video features a cat named Fatso (later “Keyboard Cat”), dressed in a blue top “playing” an electric keyboard. The clip has been shared millions of times, cementing Keyboard Cat’s place in pop culture history!

Booking choice: Doesn’t matter how long. Would just need a sitter with musical talent to keep the piano warm, and lots of video updates to keep the fans happy.

7. 🐾 Larry – The Downing Street Cat

Larry, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, has lived at Number 10 since 2011. He’s served under several Prime Ministers and is famous for his press appearances lounging on the doorstep, chasing pigeons, and generally running the place.

Booking choice: Twice daily 45 minute visits with a sitter who understands the importance of diplomacy. He’d also insist on updates for the press corps waiting outside the front door!

Famous cats through history (and what services they’d book with us)