Buzz
While cats are adored by many, even the most passionate feline lovers will agree that they can be challenging companions. Felines operate on their own terms, often viewing humans primarily as providers of food and entertainment. Consequently, cats are typically less cooperative than dogs in work settings—they are hard to train and rarely adhere to human schedules.
Nevertheless, a handful of cats have, through unique circumstances, established remarkable careers, collaborating with or serving humans in various capacities. Let’s explore these exceptional members of the cat kingdom.
10. Tama, the Railway Station Manager
In the southeastern region of Japan lies Kishi Station, a modest stop along the vast Japanese rail network. What makes this station extraordinary is its station master: a feline named Tama. In 2003, the station faced financial struggles as a smaller train company was absorbed by a larger competitor, leading to significant changes. This shift forced a local cat shelter owner near Kishi Station to relocate due to renovations. Desperate, she pleaded with the new railway president to allow the displaced cats to stay at the station.
Touched by her plea, the president was struck by Tama’s charm and declared the cat a symbol of good fortune for the station. Without hesitation, Tama was appointed as Kishi Station’s official station master.
With his official hat and badge, Tama quickly became a national sensation. Visitors traveled from far and wide just to catch a glimpse of him, transforming the once-declining station into a profitable hub. Tama’s presence is credited with generating over $10 million for the station, ensuring its survival for years to come.
As Tama ages and his duties (which include lounging in a booth and occasionally glaring at passersby) become more challenging, the railway company has already planned for the future. A young apprentice named Nitama has been appointed to eventually take over the role.
9. Hank The Cat, Political Contender
During the 2012 Election Night in Virginia, an unexpected grassroots candidate named Hank garnered an impressive 7,000 votes and raised $16,000 for animal rescue organizations. His campaign posed such a significant challenge to established political figures that it even drew negative attacks from a group oddly named “Canines for Feline Free Tomorrow.”
The twist? Hank was a nine-year-old Maine coon cat. His owners, acting as his campaign team, simply dressed him in a tie and created a few promotional videos to test the waters.
With a slogan declaring “It’s OK to Vote Humans Out!” and a platform focused on animal rights, Hank quickly became a sensation. Although he didn’t secure the Virginia Senate seat, he achieved a remarkable third-place finish, an extraordinary feat for a non-human, third-party candidate. This raises questions about whether Hank’s charm or public disillusionment with traditional politicians played a greater role in his success.
8. Dewey Readmore Books, Literary Envoy
Dewey Readmore Books, whose name perfectly suited his destiny, began his journey in 1988 when he was discovered in the book return slot by the staff of a public library in Spencer, Iowa. The librarians immediately fell in love with the adorable, abandoned kitten and decided to keep him. With the council’s approval, they nurtured him back to health and organized a naming contest to give him his iconic name.
Dewey quickly became the library’s reading ambassador, gaining fame through newspapers, educational videos, posters, and TV appearances. His presence drew crowds to the library, boosting book loans and visibility. Far from being just a mascot, Dewey held the official title of Supervisor of Staff, a role perfectly suited for a feline.
Dewey Readmore Books passed away in 2006, cradled by the Head Librarian. His legacy lives on in the library, where he is credited as a co-author in several books by Vicki Myron, the Library Director.
7. Orangey, the Feline Film Star
Cats are rarely seen in movies compared to dogs due to their unpredictable nature and difficulty in training. However, a few felines have achieved remarkable success in Hollywood. Among them, Orangey, an orange tabby, stands out as a star of classic films, appearing in genres ranging from drama to sci-fi to horror. His most famous role was as Audrey Hepburn’s nameless companion in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which earned him a PATTY, the animal equivalent of an Academy Award. Orangey remains the only cat to have won this honor twice.
Orangey’s repertoire of tricks was so extensive that it’s hard to believe a single cat could master them all. The truth is, Orangey wasn’t just one cat. Frank Inn, Orangey’s trainer, understood that cats could only learn a few tricks each, so he trained multiple identical-looking cats, each specializing in different behaviors. Over 30 cats might have played “Orangey” in a single film, but since they all looked alike and were credited as one, many still believe Orangey was a singular, exceptionally talented feline.
6. Blackie The Talking Cat, Entertainer
While videos of “talking cats” are now easily found online, the original feline star of this phenomenon emerged long before the internet era. In 1981, Blackie the Talking Cat gained fame for his ability to “say” two phrases on command: “I love you” and “I want my mama.”
Blackie’s owners turned his talent into a career, booking him on TV and radio shows. When media attention faded, they took him to the streets of Augusta, Georgia, as a performer. However, local officials demanded a business license for his act. After paying the $50 fee, his owners contested the requirement, suing the city on the grounds that Blackie, as an animal, shouldn’t need a permit and that the regulation violated his right to free expression.
As expected, the lawsuit did not succeed.
5. Mike, the Museum Sentinel
From 1909 to 1929, the British Museum’s entrance was guarded by a highly effective, though grumpy, feline named Mike. This cat was notorious for his fierce demeanor, driving away stray dogs and other unwanted animals. Mike harbored a strong dislike for other cats and frequently chased them off the property. Surprisingly, he showed no aggression toward pigeons, gently capturing them and delivering them to the gatekeeper, who would release the birds unharmed and reward Mike with a treat.
Mike’s disdain extended to most humans, with only two exceptions: the gatekeeper, his owner, and Sir Ernest Wallis Budge, the museum’s Egyptologist. These were the only individuals he allowed to pet him or offer food. Despite his temperament, Mike became a beloved figure among staff and visitors. He was cared for diligently, even during extended museum closures, such as those during World War I.
Though Mike passed away in 1929, his legacy endures at the museum. Visitors to the British Museum can pay their respects at his small gravestone near the Great Russell Street entrance.
4. Bublik, the Kitten Council Candidate
While Hank the Cat’s Senate bid didn’t succeed, his political aspirations inspired other felines. In Russia’s Ural region, a young kitten with political ambitions has emerged. What makes him even more endearing is his age—he was only three months old when he announced his campaign.
Bublik the kitten declared his candidacy for a council seat in Yekaterinburg during the April 2013 elections. His campaign platform was somewhat vague, focusing on opposing neutering and advocating for affordable cat food. Despite this, he ran with the catchy slogan, “For a Fun Future!” Bublik’s owner also mentioned the kitten’s willingness to collaborate with Hank, his international feline counterpart.
While it’s unclear whether Bublik won the election, his chances were slim. His campaign lacked clarity, and by election time, he had grown into an adult cat, diminishing his initial charm. However, his owner argued that Bublik would have been an honest leader, as he was physically incapable of making false promises.
3. Chase No Face, the Healing Feline
Chase No Face faced a tragic beginning. As a young kitten, she was hit by a car, losing a hind leg and suffering severe facial injuries. Despite reconstructive surgery, her face remained disfigured, with exposed tissue, visible fangs, and protruding eyes.
Despite her unsettling appearance, Chase found a loving home with Melissa Smith, a veterinary assistant who cared for her. Under Smith’s care, Chase thrived, becoming a joyful and sociable cat. She experiences no pain and requires only occasional eye drops due to her lack of eyelids.
2. Chessie, the Feline Brand Ambassador
Chessie, a kitten, became the iconic mascot and spokesperson for Chesapeake & Ohio Railways. Her journey began in a 1933 Fortune magazine ad featuring a sleeping kitten with the tagline “Sleep Like a Kitten.” The black-and-white image, purchased from a Viennese artist for $5, initially didn’t include the kitten’s name.
Her popularity soared, and her image soon adorned train cars, large-scale advertisements, and popular “Chessie” calendars. The railway company even used real kittens to portray Chessie and introduced a second mascot, Peake, creating a playful nod to “Chesapeake.”
Chessie remained the face of C&O’s brand for over five decades. Her reign ended in 1986 when CSX Transportation acquired C&O and replaced her with a new logo—a sleek, geometric design of the letters CSX. While modern, it couldn’t match the charm of Chessie’s endearing, slumbering visage.
1. Rusik, the Feline Officer
While police and rescue dogs often make headlines, have you heard of police cats? Rusik, a unique feline, served as a secret weapon for Russian police combating sturgeon smuggling in the Caspian Sea. This issue is critical, as illegal poaching has pushed Caspian sturgeons to near extinction. Rusik played a vital role in addressing this crisis.
Adopted as a stray kitten by officers at a police checkpoint, Rusik was fed almost entirely on confiscated sturgeon. Over time, he developed an exceptional ability to detect hidden sturgeon, salmon, and caviar in vehicles passing through the checkpoint. His skills were so advanced that he outperformed the checkpoint’s sniffer dog, leading to its early retirement.
Tragically, Rusik’s career as a crime-fighting cat ended abruptly. He died in the line of duty in July 2013 when a vehicle he was inspecting suddenly moved, fatally injuring him. Suspicion of foul play remains. Despite his untimely death, Rusik’s success has inspired plans to train more cats to combat smuggling in Russia.
+ Tardar Sauce, also known as Grumpy Cat
Tardar Sauce is one of the most iconic figures in the modeling industry, though many know her simply as Grumpy Cat. Contrary to her online persona, she’s a cheerful and lively feline, born on April 4, 2012. Her distinctive underbite, grumpy expression, and small stature are likely due to a form of feline dwarfism, which also gives her unusually long hind legs. Despite her unique appearance, she enjoys excellent health.
While Tardar Sauce lives mostly as a beloved household pet, her famous scowl has launched her into a thriving modeling career. She regularly participates in photo shoots for books, merchandise, and online content, amassing an estimated net worth of $1 million. She has even secured a movie deal, further cementing her status as a global sensation.
