When a cat escapes, it usually only upsets the owners. But when Gladstone disappeared in mid-September, British newspapers from the Daily Mail to the Guardian reported that government officials were desperately looking for the coal-black tomcat.
Why this vortex? This cat is not an ordinary pet. On Saturday, the British celebrate the "Black Cat Day", and Gladstone is a splendid specimen. He resides in the stately building of the British Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs "Her Majesty's Treasury", his boss is the current Chancellor Philip Hammond. Gladstone's task is also his passion: catching and killing mice.
Previously, the cat strayed through London's streets, with no collar and microchip, until helpers from a shelter doused it. They gave him the name Timmy. In 2016, he found a new home in the Westminster office and took office on June 28, titled "Supreme Mouse Hunter Treasury of Her Majesty." Now he was no longer a mere Stromer and was now called instead of Timmy Gladstone, named after the four-time Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.
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Black Cat Day: Black is beautifulAfter a month - delayed because of the Brexit referendum - the official press release came that the "Treasury" staff had been extended by a member with four paws and completely black fur. And that the ex-vagabond made the first catch just two days after moving in. Meanwhile, he inseminated, as insiders revealed, more than 20 rodents, caught two flies - a "cold-blooded killer," wrote the tabloid "Sun".
Miscarriage serial killer
Apart from his hunting instinct, "Treasury" employees describe Gladstone as cuddly. They provide the shorthair cat with food and pats. If her darling is not stalking over desks or chasing vermin, he's taking a break from work in his hammock. What the animal public servant with seven-day week costs the taxpayer: nothing. The officials finance Gladstone's item out of pocket.
Check out this post on Instagram
Just taking a turn about the room #beachbodyready
A post shared by Gladstone (@treasury_cat) on Apr 6, 2017 at 9:27 PDT
The "Chief Mouser" also got its own Instagram account and now has around 18,000 followers. Fans from around the world send toys and other gifts. From Australia came by post a self-crocheted Halloween collar in bright orange, from Brazil a Christmas suitcase Christmas tree balls. And anonymous supporters bucket muffins for the avid mouse hunter.
On Facebook, Gladstone has been active since August 2016, posts under the job title "Politician" and also presented the photo of one of his victims, evidently a rat. Gladstone said it was a gift for the energetic Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage.
On YouTube, a number of movies are circulating with the social media star, celebrating its fourth birthday in November. The ministry has released a "Catcam" video: Gladstone grazes the corridors with a camera. Superstitious people fear no evil, even if they cross their path to the left - in the UK black cats are considered lucky charms.
Since 2017, the British media company "Time Out" Gladstone at the top of the "Pet Power List" of the most influential animals serving British ministries. Because Gladstone is not the only Amtsmieze. Colleagues include Larry, "Chief Mouser" on 10 Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron as chief, and Palmerston in the service of the State Department.
"I'll take that away from your wages"
"Time Out" honored Gladstone not only for his successful mouse hunt, but also for his style. Gladstone shows up at important photo opportunities with fly - often red, white dotted. It is rumored that the color of the tie bow is an indication of his political sentiment.
Then the Chancellor of the Chancellor was suddenly gone. On Twitter (31,000 followers) was immediately called #FindGladders and #FindGladstone to the search "Tweetstorm". On September 17, 2018, however, Gladstone's followers were able to breathe a sigh of relief: He had probably only once represented the velvet paws. And, without a word of apology, he said he was back from his unauthorized weekend getaway. His colleague Larry hissed, "I'll take that away from your pay." Gladstone replied convincingly that he was not authorized to do so.
Where he had gone, Gladstone did not betray. He just purred mysteriously.
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Lots of speculation about my whereabouts this weekend. Obviously I could not comment ... #catsontour
A post shared by Gladstone (@treasury_cat) on Sep 17, 2018 at 5:37 PDT
On their British day of honor on October 27, shows one-day super-kitties with completely black fur, which are avoided in Germany as in many cultures as doom-mongers - creepy and cruel, sweet and speaking .